Extradition: No RespiteYet for Ex-MINT Boss as Court Declines Bail Application

There is no respite yet for the former Managing Director, Nigerian Security Minting and Printing Company (NSMPC), Mr. Emmanuel Okoyomon, who is challenging his extradition case to the United Kingdom (UK) by the federal government to face corruption charges. This is because the Federal Court of Appeal has remanded him in prison custody.

The appellate court ruled that Okomoyon is to remain in the Kuje Prison in Abuja pending the determination of the appeal case he filed against the judgment of a Federal High Court, Abuja that granted his extradition to the UK.

The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, for the second time yesterday refused to admit Okomoyon on bail on the grounds that there was no circumstantial reasons to allow him.

Justice Mohammed Mustapha who delivered the ruling, said the poor health grounds canvassed by Okoyomon as reasons for applying for bail was not sufficient.

The court held it was the duty of the Nigerian Prison authorities to, not only keep a detainee, but to also cater for his medical attention, as well as feeding.

Justice Mustapha held that it was true that Okoyomon had been taken to Asokoro District Hospital but said it was the duty of the prison to continue to do so instead of shifting the responsibility to the court.

The judge held: “Being sick is never an excuse for bail because the prison is not only to keep detainees but to cater for their health and every detainee must be treated when ever such detainee is sick.

“Let me say here that court must not encourage prison to derelict in its duties of providing medical care for inmates whenever the inmates are sick, except on special ground where medical facilities to treat a special ailment is not available.”

The court therefore dismissed