A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on Tuesday dismissed an application filed by the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, to travel to the UK for medical treatment.
Emefiele is charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to obtain by false pretence, and obtaining money by false pretence during his tenure as the apex bank’s governor.
Among the allegations is that Emefiele forged a document titled “Re: Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Missions” dated January 26, 2023, and purported it to have come from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
He is also accused of using his office to confer unfair and corrupt advantages on two companies: April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.
Emefiele is alleged to have obtained $6,230,000.00 by false pretence on February 8, 2023, claiming it was requested by the SGF for a contingent logistic advance in line with the President’s directive.
Justice Hamza Muazu dismissed the application, noting that although Emefiele stated he would be away from July 28 to September 10, no medical appointment or invitation was presented to the court. Muazu emphasized that the court had the discretion to grant leave but highlighted that Emefiele is standing trial in three courts: two in the FCT and one in Lagos.
Muazu stated, “The letter of invitation for medical follow-up is not attached. As it stands now, I cannot use my discretion to grant the application, and he is standing trial in three courts. The application is hereby dismissed, and the adjourned date for continuation of trial still stands.”
At the proceedings on June 25, Emefiele’s lawyer, Mathew Burkaa, SAN, informed the judge of the defendant’s application for medical leave. The judge adjourned the hearing of the application until July 8. On July 8, Emefiele’s lawyer, Labi Lawal, urged the court to release Emefiele’s passport, previously deposited as part of his bail conditions, to enable him to travel to the UK for medical treatment.
However, the prosecution counsel, Muhammad Omeiza, argued that no medical report was presented to the court showing that Emefiele was suffering from an ailment that could not be treated in Nigeria. He also pointed out that Emefiele posed a flight risk due to his connections with co-conspirators abroad and ongoing trials in three different courts. The defence counsel countered, saying an international red alert could ensure Emefiele’s return if he did not comply after the medical trip.
