N5.1bn fraud: Court rejects Jonathan’s ex-aide’s plea to travel abroad

The Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday rejected the plea by former Special Adviser to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Domestic Affairs, Waripamo-Owei Dudafa, to travel abroad for medical treatment.

Dudafa, who is being prosecuted for an alleged fraud involving N5.1bn, claimed to have sustained a spinal cord injury while in the detention facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

His lawyer, Mr. Adegboyega Oyewole (SAN), pleaded with Justice Mohammed Idris to order the release of his client’s passport, so he could seek medical intervention abroad.

The judge, however, dismissed the application, holding that it lacked merit.

According to the judge, Dudafa failed to disprove the argument put forward by the EFCC on the expert report that his condition could be treated in Nigeria.

“In view of the overwhelming evidence before me, I find it difficult to grant this application; same is hereby dismissed,” the judge held.

Counsel for the EFCC, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, had vehemently opposed the application, describing it as a ploy to stall Dudafa’s trial.

The offence is said to be contrary to Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable under Section 17(a) of the same Act.

Dudafa had pleaded not guilty.

Further proceedings were adjourned till Wednesday.

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