The FCT High Court sitting in Maitama has dismissed an application by former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele which sought permission from the court to access his international passport to enable him to travel to the United Kingdom for a follow-up medical check-up.
Counsel to the EFCC had opposed the application on grounds that there was no medical report before the court showing that Mr Emefiele was plagued by an ailment.
He insisted that the former CBN governor is facing cases at three different courts.
But counsel to Mr Emefiele had urged the court to dismiss the EFCC’s arguments, assuring the court that their client would return to attend the trial.
His lawyers argued that his sureties are aware of the UK hospital’s invitation for him to come over for a medical check-up.
Ruling on the application on Justice Hamza Muazu said it is a fact that the defendant is presumed innocent pending the determination of his case.
however, Mr Emefiele did not provide any letter from the UK hospital showing his medical conditions among other things.
As it stands, the court cannot exercise any discretion to allow him outside Nigeria.
