The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has opposed the application of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele to have his passport released for an overseas medical trip.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale disclosed this in a statement on Monday. According to Oyewale, Emefiele’s defense counsel, Labi Lawal, had filed an affidavit seeking the release of his passport to enable him to travel to the United Kingdom for medical treatment. However, the EFCC objected to this request.
Oyewale stated, “Monday’s affidavit by the defense and the counter-affidavit by the prosecution were in furtherance of the ones made earlier on the matter on June 25, 2024, by both teams.”
Prosecution counsel Muhammad Abbas Omeiza argued that there was no medical report before the court indicating that Emefiele was suffering from an ailment requiring overseas treatment. He further noted, “Releasing the passport to Emefiele would amount to the court varying his bail conditions, as he deposited his passport as part of his bail fulfillment.”
Omeiza expressed concerns about Emefiele being a flight risk, stating, “The defendant has co-conspirators all over the world. Anita and Tony, aides of the defendant, are currently in the UK. The defendant might be tempted to jump bail because he is standing trial in three different courts.”
In response, the defense counsel dismissed the prosecution’s arguments as speculative and suggested that the prosecution could issue an international red alert if Emefiele did not return after the medical trip.
Justice Mu’azu, after hearing arguments from both sides, adjourned the ruling on the application until July 16, 2024.
