EFCC opposes Emefiele’s overseas medical trip request, says ex-CBN governor may jump bail

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has opposed the request of Godwin Emefiele, former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), for the release of his international passport.

While Abdulakeem Labi-Lawal, Emefiele’s counsel, sought the release of his client’s passport to enable him to travel to the United Kingdom (UK) for medical treatment, Muhammad Abbas Omeiza, the prosecution counsel, told the court on Monday that there is no medical report before the court showing Emefiele’s ailment profile.

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Omeiza said there is no evidence to support the claim that Emefiele’s ailment could not be treated in Nigeria.

The prosecution counsel said the former CBN governor deposited his passport with the court as part of the fulfillment of his bail conditions.

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“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 counsel was quoted in a statement by the EFCC.

“The defendant might be tempted to jump bail because he is standing trial in three different courts.”

The presiding judge, Hamza Mua’zu, has however, adjourned the ruling on the application to July 16.