A Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, has on Tuesday, issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the Medical Doctor at Kuje Correctional Health Centre, Dr. Abraham Ehizojie.
Gatekeepers News reports that this is because the doctor refused to produce medical report of the detained executive of Binance Holdings Ltd, Tigran Gambaryan.
This comes after the trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite received an application from Gambaryan’s lawyer, Mark Mordi, (SAN).
Recall that Justice Nwite, during the previous hearing on July 5, ordered the management of Nigerian Correctional Service to release the medical certificate of Gambaryan on or before July 16 which is today.
The lawyer, in the application, complained that his order instructing that Gambaryan’s medical reports be made available to his team had not been complied with.
Justice Nwite then asked a prison official who brought Gambaryan to court about the development.
The prison executive replied that he got the court order and delivered the order to the doctor on Tuesday, July 9.
He said, “He is not here and I expected him to be here”.
The prosecution counsel, Ekene Iheanacho also told the judge that he also expected the medical officer to be in court today.
The defendant’s lawyer prayed the court to issue a bench warrant against the medical officer for him to be produced in court on the next adjourned date.
Mordi also prayed the court to issue an order for Gambaryan to be given hospital remand immediately and for medical examination to be carried out on him to know his true state of health as his health has gotten worse.
The defendant’s lawyer said, “My client came in here in a wheelchair. He has been complaining of back pain.”
“We need to be careful of the life in our hands.”
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel did not object to the fact that Gambaryan needs adequate treatment, but objected to the request that he should be placed in hospital remand.
After listening to arguments from both parties and taking their submissions, the trial judge said it is unfortunate that a government institution would be treating a court order with levity.
The judge said, “I hereby make an order of bench arrant on the medical doctor at the Kuje Correctional Service, to appear before this court”.
He also ordered that Gambaryan be taken to Nizamiye Hospital for Medicare for 24 hours, at any time of his choice but under full security surveillance.
The judge adjourned the case to October 11 and 18 for continuation of trial.
During the previous hearing on July 5, Justice Nwite ordered the management of Nigerian Correctional Service to release the medical certificate of Gambaryan on or before July 16 which is today.
