The former Governor of Imo, Ikedi Ohakim has on Monday been granted permission to travel abroad for medical treatment by a Federal High Court in Abuja, following an application made by Ohakim’s counsel, Mr Gordy Uche (SAN).
The court presided over by Justice Nnamdi Dimgba, granted Ohakim who appealed to the court to release the passport to enable 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.
Huhuonline.com understands that the case against Ohakim is before Justice Adeniyi Ademola, but he approached Justice Dimgba’s court because of the court’s vacation.
Ademola had on 30th June, 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 and 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.
Ohakim who was arraigned on 8th July 2015 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleged that the former Governor purchased a house in Abuja, with a cash payment of the dollar equivalent of N270m in November, 2008.
He allegedly committed the crime while he was governor of Imo State and was been charged on a three counts of money laundering.
He was admitted to bail on 9th July, 2015.
Meanwhile the substantive case was adjourned till 10th and 13th October for the defence to call its witnesses.
