EFCC Denies Emefiele Overseas Medical Trip

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has opposed an application by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, for the release of his passport to facilitate an overseas medical trip.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale disclosed this in a statement on Monday. He said the defense counsel, Labi Lawal, filed an affidavit requesting the release of Emefiele’s passport for medical treatment in the United Kingdom, but the EFCC objected.

Oyewale explained, “Monday’s affidavit by the defense and the counter-affidavit by the prosecution were in furtherance of the ones made earlier on the matter on June 25, 2024, by both teams.

Prosecution counsel Muhammad Abbas Omeiza argued there was no medical report before the court proving Emefiele had an ailment requiring treatment abroad. He stated that even if such an ailment existed, there was no evidence it couldn’t be treated locally in Nigeria. Omeiza noted that Emefiele had deposited his passport with the court as part of his bail conditions and releasing it would mean varying those conditions.

The prosecution also argued that Emefiele was a flight risk, citing his co-conspirators in the UK and the possibility of him jumping bail as he faces trials in three different courts.

In response, the defense counsel dismissed these arguments as speculative, suggesting that an international red alert could be issued to ensure Emefiele’s return if he failed to come back after the medical trip.

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