Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama has rejected an application by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, to travel to the United Kingdom for a medical check-up.
Emefiele, facing a 20-count charge of procurement fraud, obtaining by pretense, and forgery, failed to provide sufficient reasons for the trip, according to the judge. Despite claiming a medical appointment, he did not present a copy of the invitation or appointment letter.
The judge ruled that Emefiele’s ailment could be treated in Nigeria and expressed concerns about his potential flight risk due to ongoing trials in three different courts. The application was dismissed, and the trial is set to continue as scheduled.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had opposed Emefiele’s application, arguing that he posed a flight risk and that his medical condition could be treated in Nigeria. Emefiele’s counsel had urged the court to grant the request, offering to deposit his passport with the court registrar and suggesting an international red alert to ensure his return.
