Abuja – The Federal High Court Abuja, on Wednesday granted Jide Omokore, an ally of Alison Diezani-Madueke the former Petroleum Minister, permission to travel abroad for medical check-up.
Omokore was arraigned alongside Victor Briggs, Abiye Membere and David Mbanefo on an amended 9-count charge of alleged diversion of money.
The alleged diverted money was said to be part of the proceeds from the sale of petroleum products belonging to the Federal Government.
Two of Omokore’s companies, Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts Limited, were also charged among the defendants.
When the matter was called up for hearing, counsel to Omokore, Mr Lawal Rabana informed the court of the application of his client for permission to travel abroad for medical check-up.
Rabana said his client was seeking the order of the court to grant him permission to travel abroad for medical check-up and an order directing the EFCC to release his international passport.
The lawyer said he attached a 12- paragraph affidavit in support of Omokore’s application. He pledged that his client would return to the country before the next adjourned date to continue his trial.
The prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) who did not oppose the application, said that since it had to do with health issues, he would not oppose. The judge, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba, granted Omokore’s permission to travel abroad and also ordered that the EFCC should release his international passport.
Dimgba however stated that the defendant should be available in court on the next adjourned date to continue with his trial He added that on his return to the country Omokore should submit his passport to the court before the next adjourned date.
He adjourned the case until June 12 and 13 for continuation of trial.
Source – Vanguard
