Justice Hamza Muazu of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has rejected the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele’s application for permission to travel to the United Kingdom for a follow-up medical checkup.
Emefiele’s application was turned down after he failed to supply sufficient evidence to prove that his medical trip was essential and unavoidable.
Justice Muazu, the presiding judge, in a ruling on Tuesday held that while Emefiele claimed there was an invitation for him to travel to the UK for medical attention, he failed to tender a copy of the said invitation in court.
The judge in addition found that Emefiele did not show that his ailment could not be attended to in the country.
Justice Muazu also held that Emefiele is facing charges in three other courts.
Emefiele is facing multiple counts of alleged fraud and abuse of office.
In an affidavit filed before the court, Abdulakeem Labi-Lawal, Emefiele’s counsel, sought the release of the former CBN governor’s passport to enable him to travel to the UK for medical treatment.
But the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) opposed the application, claiming that Emefiele might be tempted to jump bail if granted.
