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.