Justice Rahman Oshodi of a Special Offences Court Ikeja has refused an application seeking the release of the international passport of a 35-year-old woman, Rukayya Saadina Dantata, standing trial over alleged N350 million.

The judge, while ruling on her application to get the passport to travel on medical grounds, held that there was no evidence to show that her condition cannot be adequately treated in Nigeria.

The court held that the exhibit before the court lacked sufficient details to establish a life-threatening condition requiring urgent overseas treatment. The defendant is standing trial before the court for allegedly defrauding a Bureau de Change firm of N350.9 million.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) had through his prosecution counsel from Force CID, Alagbon Ikoyi, Mr Morufu Animashaun arraigned Dantata. Her alleged offence was bordering on cheating and obtaining money under false pretences. She had pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail with the condition that she must submit her international passport to the Chief Registrar of the court.

The defendant, therefore, filed a motion on notice before the court, seeking the release of her international passport on medical grounds. However, the court heard the parties’ argument on January 10, 2025.

Dr Muiz Banire (SAN) prayed the court to grant the defendant’s application, while Animashaun vehemently opposed the release of the defendant’s international passport, arguing that granting the request would endanger the trial.

However, Justice Oshodi agreed with the submissions of the prosecution and refused the application.