- Justice Hamza Muazu dismissed former CBN governor Godwin Emefiele’s application to travel abroad for medical leave due to lack of documentation
- Emefiele is standing trial in three different courts in FCT and Lagos for various charges, including procurement fraud, obtaining by false pretence, and forgery
Justice Hamza Muazu of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama, Abuja, has dismissed the application filed by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor Godwin Emefiele, seeking permission to travel abroad for medical leave.
Emefiele is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before Justice Muazu on an amended 20-count charge, which includes procurement fraud, obtaining by false pretence, and forgery.
Justice Muazu ruled on the defendant’s application, which was argued on July 8, that the court has the power to exercise its discretion. However, the applicant failed to present any medical appointment or invitation to the court despite stating in his application that he would be away from July 28 to September 10.
Justice Muazu noted that this lack of documentation prevented the court from exercising its discretion. Additionally, Emefiele is standing trial in three different courts in FCT and Lagos for various charges.
“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 the trial still stands,” stated Justice Muazu.
During the hearing on July 8, counsel for Emefiele, Hakeem Labi-Lawal, urged the court to release Emefiele’s passport, which was deposited as part of his bail conditions, to enable him to travel to the United Kingdom for medical treatment.
However, counsel for the prosecution, Muhammad Omeiza, opposed the application, arguing that no medical report was presented to show that Emefiele was suffering from any ailment that could not be treated in Nigeria. He also argued that Emefiele is a flight risk due to his connections with co-conspirators abroad, noting that the applicant faces trials in three different courts.
Justice Muazu subsequently adjourned the case to rule on the application today.
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