The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has opposed a request by Godwin Emefiele, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, to get his passport back so he can travel abroad for medical treatment.
On Monday, Emefiele’s lawyer, Labi-Lawal, asked the court to release Emefiele’s passport so he could go to the United Kingdom for medical care. The EFCC disagreed with this request.
The EFCC’s lawyer, Muhammad Omeiza, said there was no medical report showing that Emefiele had a serious illness.
He also said there was no proof that any illness he might have could not be treated in Nigeria.
Omeiza pointed out that Emefiele had given his passport to the court as part of his bail conditions, and returning it would change these conditions.
Omeiza also argued that Emefiele might try to escape because he has co-conspirators abroad, including two aides in the UK.
“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,” Omeiza said.
Emefiele’s lawyer responded by saying the EFCC’s concerns were just guesses. He said the EFCC could issue an international alert to arrest Emefiele if he traveled and did not return.
The judge, Justice Hamza Mu’azu, will decide on the passport request on July 16, 2024.
Emefiele is facing trials in three courts. Before Justice Mu’azu, he is charged with procurement fraud and forging the signature of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
In Lagos, he is on trial for alleged fraud involving large sums of money. In Abuja, he is accused of approving the printing of currency notes at a high cost.
