The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has opposed the request of Godwin Emefiele, former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), for the release of his international passport.
In an affidavit filed at the federal capital territory (FCT) high court, Abdulakeem Labi-Lawal, Emefiele’s counsel, sought the release of his client’s passport to enable him to travel to the United Kingdom (UK) for medical treatment.
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.
Omeiza said there is no evidence to support the claim that Emefiele’s ailment could not be treated in Nigeria.
The prosecution counsel said the former CBN governor deposited his passport with the court as part of the fulfilment of his bail conditions.
He added that Emefiele might be tempted to jump bail if granted.
“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 counsel was quoted in a statement by the EFCC.
“The defendant might be tempted to jump bail because he is standing trial in three different courts.”
After listening to all the arguments, Hamza Mua’zu, the presiding judge, adjourned the ruling on the application to July 16.
Emefiele is facing multiple counts of alleged fraud and abuse of office.
