ABUJA, JULY 18, 2016 – The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday granted the former Governor of Imo, Ikedi Ohakim permission to travel abroad for medical treatment.
Vacation judge, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba granted the permission following an application made by Ohakim’s counsel Mr Gordy Uche (SAN).
Uche had, in the application, asked the court to release the passport of Ohakim to allow him travel abroad for routine medical check up.
The prosecuting counsel, Mr Festus Ukpe did not oppose the application and the court granted it as prayed.
Ohakim is to return his passport to the registrar of the court not later than 48 hours upon his return in August.
The substantive case against Ohakim is before Justice Adeniyi Ademola but he approached Justice Dimgba’s court because of the court’s vacation.
Ademola had on June 30, dismissed a no case submission filed by Ohakim over alleged corruption and money laundering saying he had a case to answer.
Ademola in dismissing the application, 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 had 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.
Recalls that Ohakim was arraigned on July 8, 2015 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a three-count charge of money laundering.
EFCC had alleged that Ohakim purchased a house in Abuja, with a cash payment of the dollar equivalent of N270m in Nov. 2008.
He allegedly committed the crime while he was governor of Imo.
He was admitted to bail on July 9, 2015.
The substantive case was adjourned till Oct. 10 and 13 for the defence to call its witnesses.
