On Wednesday, July 17, 2024, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja dismissed former Minister of Power and Steel, Mr. Olu Agunloye’s request to travel abroad for a medical check-up.
At the Monday, July 1, 2024 hearing, Agunloye’s lawyer, Adeola Adedikpe, SAN, asked the court to return Agunloye’s passport so he could go overseas for a medical examination. The request included several documents, like a report from University College Hospital, NISA Premier Hospital, a medical review letter from the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), and an invitation from a foreign medical analyst asking him to come for a quick evaluation.
Prosecutor Abba Mohammed, with a counter-affidavit written by Hussain Babangida, an EFCC investigator, argued against the request. They suggested Agunloye might flee the country because he previously showed unwillingness to attend his trial until he was declared wanted.
“We rely on the counter-affidavit and its exhibits,” said Mohammed, urging the court to reject Agunloye’s request.
On Wednesday, Justice Onwuegbuzie ruled that Agunloye did not provide enough proof that his medical condition couldn’t be treated in Nigeria or that no Nigerian hospital could handle his treatment.
Agunloye faces seven charges from the EFCC related to a fraudulent $6 billion Mambilla Power Project contract.
The trial will continue on September 23, 2024.
