EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale announced on Monday that the defence counsel, Labi Lawal, had filed an affidavit seeking the release of Emefiele’s passport so he could travel to the United Kingdom for medical treatment. However, the EFCC objected to this request.

“Monday’s affidavit by the defence and the counter-affidavit by the prosecution were in furtherance of the ones made earlier on the matter on June 25, 2024, by both teams,” Oyewale stated.

Prosecution counsel Muhammad Abbas Omeiza argued against the release, stating there was no medical report before the court indicating Emefiele had an ailment that could not be treated in Nigeria. He emphasized that Emefiele had deposited his passport with the court as part of his bail conditions and releasing it would effectively alter these conditions.

Omeiza also argued that Emefiele posed a flight risk. “The defendant has co-conspirators all over the world. 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,” he noted.

In response, the defence counsel dismissed these concerns as speculative, suggesting that an international red alert could be issued if Emefiele failed to return after his medical trip.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Mu’azu adjourned the ruling on the application until July 16, 2024.