The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) opposed a request by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, to travel abroad for medical treatment. This decision was made on Monday, July 8.

Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s spokesman, said that Emefiele’s lawyer, Labi-Lawal, had filed a request to release Emefiele’s passport so he could travel to the UK for medical treatment. However, the EFCC objected to this request.

The defence and prosecution had previously filed affidavits on this matter on June 25, 2024. The prosecution lawyer, Muhammad Abbas Omeiza, argued that there was no medical report proving Emefiele needed overseas treatment and that any ailment he had could be treated in Nigeria.

Omeiza also pointed out that Emefiele had surrendered his passport as part of his bail conditions. He argued that giving the passport back would mean changing these conditions. He claimed that Emefiele could be a flight risk, noting that his co-conspirators, Anita and Tony, were already in the UK. According to Omeiza, this might tempt Emefiele to jump bail, as he is facing trials in three different courts.

In response, Emefiele’s lawyer called the prosecution’s arguments speculative. He suggested that if Emefiele did not return after the medical trip, an international red alert could be issued for his arrest.

Justice Mu’azu listened to both sides and adjourned the decision on the application to July 16, 2024.

Emefiele faces several charges in three different cases. Before Justice Mu’azu, he is charged with procurement fraud, forging former President Muhammadu Buhari’s signature, and other crimes. In Lagos, before Justice Rahman Oshodi at the Special Offences Court, he faces allegations of fraud involving $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion. Additionally, before Justice Maryann Anenih of the FCT High Court in Abuja, he is charged with approving the printing of N684.5 million notes at the cost of N18.96 billion.