More Woes For Ex-CBN Governor, Emefiele As EFCC Blocks His Bid For Overseas Medical Trip

According to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the defense counsel Labi-Lawal had filed an affidavit requesting the release of Emefiele’s passport to allow him to travel to the United Kingdom for medical treatment. The EFCC, however, objected to this request.

The affidavit filed by the defense and the counter-affidavit by the prosecution were continuations of earlier submissions made on June 25, 2024.

Prosecution counsel Muhammad Abbas Omeiza argued that there was no medical report before the court proving that Emefiele had a serious ailment. He also stated that even if such an ailment existed, there was no evidence to suggest it couldn’t be treated in Nigeria.

Omeiza further emphasized that Emefiele had deposited his passport with the court as part of his bail conditions, and releasing it would amount to altering those conditions. He also highlighted that Emefiele was a flight risk, noting that “the defendant has co-conspirators all over the world. One Anita and Tony are aides of the defendant 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, suggesting that the prosecution could issue an international red alert for Emefiele if he traveled overseas and failed to return.

After hearing both sides, Justice Mu’azu adjourned the ruling on the application to July 16, 2024.

Emefiele, the former CBN governor, is facing multiple trials. Under Justice Mu’azu, he is being tried for procurement fraud, forgery of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s signature, and other charges.