On Tuesday, a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court dismissed the application of suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele to travel to the UK for medical treatment.
Emefiele faces charges from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), including criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to obtain by false pretence, and obtaining money by false pretence during his tenure.
Among the allegations is the forgery of a document titled “Re: Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Missions,” dated January 26, 2023, purportedly from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
Emefiele is also accused of using his position to grant corrupt advantages to April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd, and obtaining $6,230,000.00 by false pretence on February 8, 2023, claiming it was for a contingent logistic advance per the President’s directive.
Justice Hamza Muazu dismissed Emefiele’s application, emphasizing the absence of any presented medical appointment or invitation. He noted that Emefiele, who mentioned being away from July 28 to September 10, is currently on trial in three courts: two in the FCT and one in Lagos.
“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,” Justice Muazu stated.
On June 25, Emefiele’s lawyer, Mathew Burkaa, SAN, informed the judge of the defendant’s application for medical leave, which was adjourned to July 8. During the July 8 hearing, Emefiele’s lawyer, Labi Lawal, requested the release of Emefiele’s passport, previously deposited as part of his bail conditions, to facilitate his travel to the UK for medical treatment.
However, prosecution counsel Muhammad Omeiza argued against the application, citing the lack of a medical report indicating that Emefiele’s condition required treatment abroad and highlighting the risk of flight due to his international connections and ongoing trials. The defence countered with the suggestion of an international red alert to ensure Emefiele’s return if he did not comply after the medical trip.
