The Federal High Court, Abuja, yesterday granted former Imo State Governor Ikedi Ohakim permission to travel abroad for medical treatment.
Vacation judge, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba, granted the permission following an application by Ohakim’s lawyer, Mr Gordy Uche (SAN).
Uche prayed the court to release the former governor’s passport to enable him travel abroad for a routine medical check up.
The prosecuting counsel, Mr Festus Ukpe, did not oppose the application and the court granted the request.
Ohakim is to return his passport to the registrar of the court not later than 48 hours upon his return in August.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the substantive case against Ohakim is before Justice Adeniyi Ademola but he approached Justice Dimgba’s court because of the court’s vacation.
Justice Ademola, on June 30, dismissed a “no case” submission filed by Ohakim on alleged corruption and money laundering, saying he had a case to answer.
In dismissing the application, the judge held that the prosecution, led by Mr Festus Keyamo, had established a prima facie case against the defendant, necessitating him to open his defence.
Ohakim, through his counsel, Awa Kalu, told the court that he had no case to answer and as such, the court should strike out all the charges brought against him.
NAN recalls that Ohakim was arraigned on July 8, last year, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a three-count charge of money laundering.
EFCC alleged that Ohakim purchased a house in Abuja with a cash payment of the dollar equivalent of N270 million in November 2008.
He allegedly committed the crime while he was governor of Imo State.
He was admitted to bail on July 9, last year. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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