Crime
BREAKING: EFCC Blocks Emefiele’s Quest For Overseas Medical Trip
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Monday, July 8, 2024, opposed the application of a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, for the release of his passport to enable him to make an overseas medical trip.
The anti-graft agency made the disclosure in a statement on its verified handle on microblogging website, X on Tuesday.
According to the statement, defence counsel, Labi-Lawal had filed an affidavit seeking the release of Emefiele’s passport to enable him to travel to the United Kingdom for medical treatments which was objected to by the EFCC.
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Monday’s affidavit by the defence and the counter-affidavit by the prosecution was in furtherance of others made earlier on the matter on June 25, 2024 by both teams.
Prosecution counsel, Muhammad Abbas Omeiza in furtherance to the counter-affidavit told the court that there was no medical report before the court showing that Emefiele was plagued by an ailment, and that if there was, there was no evidence to support that it could not be treated locally in Nigeria.
Omeiza further noted that Emefiele deposited his passport with the court as part of the fulfilment of his bail conditions, arguing that releasing it to him would amount to the court varying his bail conditions.
While also arguing that Emefiele was a flight risk, the prosecution counsel noted that “the defendant has co-conspirators all over the world. One Anita and Tony are all aides of the defendant who are currently in the UK. The defendant might be tempted to jump bail because he is standing trial in three different courts.”
In response, the defence counsel dismissed the prosecution’s arguments as speculative, noting that the prosecution could issue an international red alert on the defendant to enable his arrest if he made the overseas medical trip and refused to come back.
Justice Mu’azu, after listening to both counsel, adjourned ruling on the application till July 16, 2024.
In Abuja, a man named Alex, suspected of being involved in ritualistic practices and internet fraud, was arrested for allegedly attempting to murder a hook-up girl named Olivia for ritual purposes.
The incident unfolded at a hotel in Wuse Zone 5, where hotel staff intervened after hearing Olivia’s screams.
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They discovered her in a disturbing state—completely naked and bound with tape, her mouth sealed and her limbs tied.
SP Josephine Adeh, the Public Relations Officer for the FCT Police, addressed the situation, stating, “The FCT police command is aware of the video circulating regarding a lady who was criminally confined at Top View Hotel on September 17, 2024, by an alleged internet fraudster for a money ritual.”
Akeh further noted that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has taken Alex into custody but has not yet transferred him to the police for further investigation.
“The FCT police command is awaiting the handover of all parties involved to initiate a thorough and discreet investigation. We will provide further updates as the situation develops.”
In a dramatic turn of events, officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) attempted to arrest former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello on Wednesday night at the Kogi State Governor’s lodge located in Asokoro, Federal Capital Territory.
The operation was met with resistance from security personnel at the lodge, resulting in gunfire during the altercation.
Authorities quickly cordoned off the area, limiting access to EFCC agents and other security forces.
Related News: Yahaya Bello Finally Faces EFCC, Says He Has Nothing To Hide
Unconfirmed reports suggest that Bello has since left the lodge, accompanied by the current Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo. Following the incident, normalcy appears to have returned to the vicinity.
This latest attempt to apprehend Bello follows his long-standing status on the EFCC’s wanted list for allegedly laundering N80.2 billion. After months of evading capture, a statement from the Director of Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael, indicated that the former governor had agreed to attend an EFCC invitation after consulting with his family, legal advisors, and political allies.
However, the EFCC responded by clarifying that Bello is not in their custody and remains a wanted individual due to the serious money laundering charges against him, as reiterated by spokesman Dele Oyewale.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has debunked reports of wanted former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello surrendering himself to the Commission.
This was disclosed in a statement on its verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, on Wednesday by its Head, Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale.
ALSO READ: Yahaya Bello Finally Faces EFCC, Says He Has Nothing To Hide
It wrote, “Media reports today that a former Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello is in the holding facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is incorrect. The Commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody.
“Bello, already declared wanted by the Commission for alleged N80.2billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest.”
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