An Ogun State High Court sitting in Abeokuta has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) to temporarily release the international passport of the former governor? of? Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel who is currently standing trial on alleged corruption charges, to enable him travel? to the? United Kingdom for medical treatment.
Ruling on a 24 page application brought before it yesterday, the trial Judge handling Daniel corruption? case, Justice Olanrewaju Mabekoje, said the order was to allow Daniel travel for medical checkup.
The lead defence Counsel, Professor Taiwo Osipitan,SAN, on the 29th of last? month submitted before the court an application, where he? prayed the court to release the international passport of? his client, to allow him? see his Doctors in London.
Daniel’s international passport was deposited with the anti graft body,EFCC, on April 16th of this year pursuant to the order of the Court.
In the last two sittings, the former Governor? was always in court with his right arm bandaged below the elbow.
Osipitan, while arguing the motion yesterday, told the Court that he had filed five grounds in support of his application, among which was the defendant’s right to enjoy good health.
He said that? two exhibits, tagged OGD 1 and 2 which were the medical X-ray and? the referral report of the former Governor? to allow him go for medical? treatment in London were attached to the? 24 paragraphs? motion.
“We are relying on all exhibits and adopting? all written addresses in asking the court to grant the application, ”Osipitan? told the Court.
Osipitan? who acknowledged the good faith so far demonstrated? by? the trial Judge,explained that his application was in the best interest of? EFCC,as it would make the former Governor to be healthy and ready for the anti graft body’s trial.