The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Monday, July 8, 2024, opposed the application of a former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, for the release of his passport to enable him to make an overseas medical trip.

Defence counsel Labi-Lawal had filed an affidavit seeking the release of Emefiele’s passport to enable him travel to the United Kingdom for medical treatment which was objected to by the EFCC.

Monday’s affidavit by the defence and the counter-affidavit by the prosecution was in furtherance of the ones made earlier on the matter on June 25 by both teams.

The prosecution counsel, Muhammad Abbas Omeiza, in furtherance to the counter-affidavit told the Federal High Court in Abuja that there was no medical report before the court showing that Emefiele was plagued by an ailment, and that if there was, there was no evidence to support that it could not be treated locally in Nigeria.

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Omeiza further noted that Emefiele deposited his passport with the court as part of the fulfilment of his bail conditions, saying releasing it to him would amount to the court varying his bail conditions.

While also arguing that Emefiele was a flight risk, the prosecution counsel said: “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 defendant might be tempted to jump bail because he is standing trial in three different courts.”

Responding, the defence counsel dismissed the prosecution’s arguments as speculative, noting that the prosecution could issue an international red alert on Emefiele to enable his arrest if he made the overseas medical trip and refused to come back.

The presiding judge, Justice Hamza Mua’zu, after listening to both counsels, adjourned ruling on the application till July 16, 2024.

The Star