Court Denies Emefiele’s Request to Travel Abroad for Medical Check-up

The Federal Capital Territory High Court has rejected a plea by Godwin Emefiele, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), seeking permission to travel overseas for medical reasons.

Judge Justice Hamza Muazu dismissed Emefiele’s application on grounds that it lacked sufficient justification. Emefiele, who faces charges of corruption and mismanagement of public office, had requested the court to release his international passport so he could undergo medical checks in the United Kingdom.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) opposed the request during the proceedings. Although Justice Muazu acknowledged Emefiele’s presumption of innocence until proven guilty, he emphasized that the former CBN Governor failed to provide essential documents, such as a medical report from a UK hospital, to support his application.

“In light of these circumstances, I am unable to grant permission for the applicant to travel outside Nigeria,” Justice Muazu declared. “The application is therefore dismissed.”

The ruling underscores the court’s stance on ensuring procedural fairness while handling the legal proceedings against Emefiele.