The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has opposed the application by Godwin Emefiele, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to have his passport released for an overseas medical trip.
This development was disclosed by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale in a statement on Monday.
Oyewale mentioned that Emefiele’s defence counsel, Labi Lawal, had filed an affidavit seeking the release of his client’s passport to facilitate travel to the United Kingdom for medical treatment. However, the EFCC objected to this request.
“The affidavit filed by the defence on Monday and the subsequent counter-affidavit by the prosecution were extensions of earlier submissions made on June 25, 2024,” Oyewale stated.
Prosecution counsel Muhammad Abbas Omeiza argued in his counter-affidavit that there was no medical report before the court demonstrating Emefiele’s ailment.
Additionally, Omeiza contended that even if there were medical issues, there was insufficient evidence to prove that treatment could not be obtained within Nigeria.
He emphasized that Emefiele had deposited his passport with the court as part of his bail conditions, and releasing it would constitute a variation of those conditions.
Omeiza also raised concerns about Emefiele being a flight risk, citing the defendant’s alleged global network of accomplices and assistants in the UK. He expressed apprehension that Emefiele might evade trial, especially since he faces charges in multiple courts.
In response, the defence counsel dismissed these concerns as speculative. Lawal suggested that the prosecution could issue an international red alert to facilitate Emefiele’s arrest should he fail to return from his medical trip abroad.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Mu’azu adjourned the ruling on the passport release application until July 16, 2024.
The EFCC’s opposition underscores ongoing legal complexities surrounding Emefiele’s case, highlighting issues of bail conditions, medical treatment abroad, and concerns about flight risks.
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