Setback for Emefiele as EFCC opposes his request for foreign medical trip, details emerge

• Former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele has suffered a major setback regarding his request
• The court has fixed a date to rule on Emefiele's application for permission to travel abroad for medical treatment, but the EFCC filed a counter-affidavit, contesting the request
• Dele Oyewale, head of media and publicity for the EFCC, confirmed the development via a statement and shared further details

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has countered an application filed by the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele, for the release of his international passport.

The former CBN governor Godwin Emefiele has been hindered by the EFCC over his quest to get treatment abroad. Photo credit: CBN
Source: Facebook

Recall that Emefiele had requested permission from the FCT High Court in Abuja to travel abroad for medical treatement.

His lawyer, Mathew Burkaa, highlighted the pending application during Tuesday’s proceedings but did not disclose the specific destination.

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EFCC blocks Emefiele’s request for medical trip abroad

But the EFCC on Monday, July 8, opposed Emefiele's application, The Punch reported.

In a counter-affidavit, Muhammad Abbas Omeiza, the prosecution counsel, told the court on Monday that there is no medical report before the court showing Emefiele’s ailment profile, Leadership reported.

Omeiza said there is no evidence to support the claim that Emefiele’s ailment could not be treated in Nigeria.

As reorted by The Cable, Dele Oyewale, head of media and publicity for the EFCC, disclosed this on Monday, in Abuja via a statement.

“Omeiza further noted that Emefiele deposited his passport with the court as part of the fulfilment of his bail conditions, arguing that releasing it to him would amount to the court varying his bail conditions, “ the statement added.

Oyewale noted that the EFCC’s lawyer also argued that Emefiele was a flight risk.

Emefiele loses N12bn property as court gives fresh judgement

Legit.ng earlier reported that the federal high court in Lagos ordered the permanent forfeiture of properties worth over N11.14 billion and N1.04 billion allegedly belonging to former CBN Governor Emefiele to the federal government.

The properties, located in upscale areas of Abuja, were suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities.

The court's order was made following a motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Source: Legit.ng