Court on Thursday ordered the Economic, Finance and Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release of the International Passport of Chief Gbenga Daniel, former governor of the state, this is to enable the former governor him travel to the UK for medical attention.
Daniel is standing trial before the court on a 38-count charge by EFCC. Justice Olanrewaju Mabekoje, who ordered the release of the document said that he did so in pursuant to the order of April 16.
Prof. Taiwo Osipitan, the Lead Counsel to Daniel had reminded the court of the pending motion of Mr Rotimi Jacobs, lead counsel to the EFCC, who sought for an adjournment of the case. Osipitan also said that the prosecution was yet to file a counter affidavit since the defence had filed the motion, he supported his motion with an X-ray report and a medical report by Daniel’s doctor referring him for treatment abroad. According to him, a right to good health is a fundamental human right.
The defense counsel also said that the granting of the prayer of his client would be in the interest of the defense for it to have a healthy defendant to answer questions.
EFCC counsel did not object to the motion explaining that the court would be on vacation between August and September. “It is unwise to object to such prayer now so that adjournment will not be sought by the prosecution on the same ground when the court resumes in October,’’ he said.
Jacobs, however, urged the court to caution Daniel’s loyalists who he said normally throng the court over alleged disturbance of proceedings. He said that responses by the witnesses perceived to be in favor of Daniel was usually greeted with ovation, a development he objected. “My lord, this is not a political gathering, let them go back to their political parties and stop disturbing us here. “My lord, we seek your protection,’’ Jacobs pleaded.
Justice Mabekoje, who granted the prayer, however, stressed that Daniel must return to Nigeria not later than Sept. 30. He also ordered that Daniel must return the passport to the EFCC within 3 days of his return to the country.
On the request of Jacobs, Justice Mobekoje promised to look into the matter assuring that security in the court would be beefed up from Oct. 15, 25 and 26, the adjournment days for the continuation of trial of the case.
Courtesy NAN
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