The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has rejected the request of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor Godwin Emefiele to travel to the United Kingdom for medical treatment.
In a ruling on Tuesday, Justice Muazu stated that Emefiele did not provide sufficient evidence to prove that the medical trip was essential and unavoidable.
Although Emefiele claimed there was an invitation for him to seek medical attention in the UK, he failed to present a copy of the invitation in court. The judge also noted that Emefiele did not demonstrate that his ailment could not be treated within Nigeria.
Emefiele faces prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on 20 amended counts, including conferring corrupt advantages, conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, forgery, and obtaining approximately $6.23 million from the Nigerian government under false pretenses.
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These charges have been filed in separate trials in Abuja and Lagos, following his removal from office by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023.
The EFCC accuses Emefiele of forging a document titled ‘Re: Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Missions,’ dated January 26, 2023, and claiming it originated from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). Additionally, the commission alleges that on February 8, 2023, Emefiele falsely obtained $6.23 million, claiming the SGF requested the funds for “a contingent logistic advance” in line with a purported presidential directive.
Furthermore, Emefiele is accused of awarding contracts to two companies, April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd, thereby conferring unfair and corrupt advantages on them while serving as CBN governor. Emefiele has denied all charges in the separate trials.
Justice Muazu, who is overseeing Emefiele’s trial in Abuja, ordered the seizure of Emefiele’s passport as part of his bail conditions following his arraignment in November last year.
