A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted permission to former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha to travel to the United Kingdom for medical attention.
Gatekeepers News reports that Justice Inyang Eden Ekwo granted the permission on Wednesday and ordered the Registrar of the court to release the travelling passport of the former governor to him to undertake the medical trip.
The order of the judge followed an application argued by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ola Olanipekun who notified the court that his client has been having health challenges in recent times.
The senior lawyer argued that Okorocha, now a Senator representing Imo North in the Senate, will not abuse the order and will return to the country for his trial.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) represented by Chile Okoroma had sought to vehemently oppose the request, the Commission soft-pedalled when Justice Ekwo explained that the request would be granted with a caveat by the court.
While granting the request, Justice Ekwo ordered Okorocha to return the passport to the court registrar not later than three days after his arrival in the country.
Justice Ekwo held that he would declare Okorocha wanted if he attempts to abuse the favour granted him.
The judge fixed November 7 for Okorocha’s trial in the money laundering criminal charges brought against him by the Federal Government.
