Don’t Allow Sylva Travel Abroad, EFCC Urges Court

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has asked a Federal High court in Abuja not to grant the application brought before it by former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva seeking for permission to accompany his wife on a medical trip abroad.

At the resumed hearing in the matter the EFCC lawyer, John Anietor told the court that, “there are pending allegations being currently investigated about the wife of the accused/applicant, who deliberately now wants to travel outside the shores of the country in order to escape current investigations and probable trial if the need arises at the end.”

He said Mr Sylva’s wife is an adult and also has adult relatives and children who could accompany her on the medical trip abroad if need be, adding that, it is not the ex-governor, who is in need of medical attention abroad and urged the court to refuse the application in the interest of justice.

On his part , the former governor, through his counsel, Isaac Olorundare while arguing in favour of the application told the court that the University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital lacks the medical equipment to carry out the needed surgeries on his wife and hence, the referral to the Cromwell Hospital in the United Kingdom.

The trial Judge, Justice Adamu Bello adjourned ruling on the application to 30 May 2013.

Mr Sylva, who is standing trial for alleged money laundering related offences, had in his application filed on 16 May 2013 told the court that his wife was scheduled for surgery in a United Kingdom hospital and needed his company.

He also urged the court to release his international passport to enable him embark on the trip and promised to return for trial and to also return the passport to the custody of the court after the trip.