The plea of Godwin Emefiele, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to be granted permission to travel abroad for medical treatment has been met with opposition by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Emefiele’s attorney, Abdulakeem Labi-Lawal, requested permission for his client to travel to the United Kingdom (UK) for medical treatment in a motion that was submitted in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court.
On Monday, the EFCC opposed this plea, claiming that no medical report had been provided to the court to support the need for treatment abroad.
The defendant possesses co-conspirators across the globe. The prosecution’s attorney, Muhammad Abbas Omeiza, stated, “The defendant might be tempted to jump bail because he is standing trial in three different courts. One Anita and Tony are all aides of the defendant who are currently in the UK.”
As part of his bail requirements, Omeiza emphasized that Emefiele’s passport was deposited with the court, and he emphasized that there was no proof that Emefiele’s illness could not be treated in Nigeria.
The presiding judge, Hamza Mua’zu, postponed the decision on the application until July 16 after reviewing the arguments.