Emefiele’s request to travel for medical checkup in UK rejected

BY ANDREW OROLUA

A judge of the Federal Capital Territory’s High Court of Justice, Hamza Muazu on Tuesday refused the request by former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN), Godwin Emefiele to be allowed to travel to United Kingdom for medical care.

The judge threw away the request citing failure of Emefiele and his legal team to attach a letter of invitation they claimed invited the defendant to United kingdom for medical treatment.

Embattled former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria Emefiele is standing trial before the court on six count charge bordering on alleged breach of procurement Act while he was in control at the apex bank. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was admitted to bail but restricted to the country with a proviso that he must seek court approval if he wants to travel abroad.

The defendant lead counsel Matthew Burkaa SAN, applied to the court for permission to enable Emefiele travel to the UK from July 28 and return on September 10, 2024.

But counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, Muhammad Abbas Omeiza, vehemently opposed and contended that there was no medical report before the court showing that Emefiele was plagued by an ailment.

He insisted that the former governor of CBN is facing cases at three different courts.

“The defendant has co-conspirators all over the world. One Anita and Tony are all aides of the defendant who are currently in the UK.

“The defendant might be tempted to jump bail because he is standing trial in three different courts.”

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But Emefiele’s legal team urged the court to dismiss EFCC’s arguments, assuring the court that their client will return to attend the trial.

His lawyers argued that his sureties are aware of the UK hospital’s invitation for him to come over for medical check up.

Ruling on the application on Tuesday, Justice Muazu said it is a fact that the defendant is presumed innocent pending the determination of his case.

He said, however, that Emefiele did not provide any letter from the UK hospital showing his medical conditions among other things.

“As it stands, I cannot exercise my discretion to allow the applicant travel outside Nigeria, ” the judge ruled.

The judge also observed that Emefiele is facing criminal charges in three different courts.

“The application fails and is here by dismissed, ” the judge ruled.