Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court in Abuja has granted permission to former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr Mohammed Adoke (SAN) to travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for medical examination from October 11 to November 15.
The prosecuting Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had on August 4 re-arraigned Adoke and a businessman, Aliyu Abubakar, on an amended 14-count charge of alleged money laundering.
But Adoke and Abubakar have denied the allegation and pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against them.
Lawyer to Adoke, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), had filed the application on October 4, asking the court to grant his client’s request for overseas medical treatment.
Agabi, who is also a former AGF, has urged the court to direct the registry of the court to release his client’s international passport to enable him travel for medical treatment from October 11 to November 15.
The Senior Advocate argued that due to the rigours of trial, Adoke’s health had once again deteriorated and required closer examination from his physicians abroad who are conversant with his medical history.
Agabi added that the medical examination was initially scheduled for August 11 till September 8, but his client could not travel due to certain unforeseen circumstances.
He also informed the court that Adoke had diligently attended trial since he was arraigned and had never attempted to jump bail.
Incidentally, the lawyer to the EFCC, Nnenna Oko, did not oppose the application.
In his ruling on the application on Friday, Justice Ekwo granted the prayers of Adoke.
The judge further directed Adoke’s lawyer to give an undertaking that his client would return to the country to face his trial.
Justice Ekwo also directed the deputy chief registrar of the court in charge of litigation, to inform the Nigeria Immigration Service of the leave of court for Adoke to travel.
The judge further directed that the travel documents be returned to the court registry not later than three days upon Adoke’s return to Nigeria.
Justice Ekwo thereafter adjourned the matter till December 6 for continuation.
Theideal recalls that the EFCC had on August 4 re-arraigned Adoke and a businessman, Aliyu Abubakar, on an amended 14-count charge of alleged money laundering.
But Adoke and Abubakar have denied the allegation and pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against them.
