JAILED NIGERIAN GOVERNOR BIDS TO SECURE FREEDOM FROM PRISON FAILS
He added, “These exhibits are medical reports attached to the affidavit in support of the application,” notifying the Court that the prison authorities disallowed him access to those who wanted to give him the herbal medicine.
He further argued that ill-health constituted “special and exceptional circumstances” to enable his client be granted bail after the conviction, stressing that “Whatever must have been responsible for their decision whether right or wrong, the point is that he was not allowed access to them,”.
However, the prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, opposed the application for bail, arguing that the lawyer failed to support his request with necessary materials, arguing that, “mere medical reasons will not suffice to be granted bail after conviction, because Nyame as a convict has lost the right to medical facility of his choice, but the one that is provided by the prison authorities,” .
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel further argued that the issue of health could only come into account as an exceptional circumstance, “if the prison authorities say they are unable to provide the medical need of the convict”.
He emphasized that the application lacked “a medical report by a medical practitioner who specialises in the area of medicine that concerns the ailment of the convict”.
Justice Banjoko after standing down proceedings for a few minutes thereafter, refused the application, noting that “the medical reports presented to the court were conflicting and the dates on them are not corresponding with each other”.
“If indeed, he needs any medical attention he should apply to the Ministry of Interior, because the Prison authorities are under the ministry,” he judge held.
