COURT REJECTS APPLICATION FOR RELEASE OF PASSPORT BY WOMAN STANDING TRIAL FOR N350 MILLION FRAUD

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Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja has denied an application seeking the release of the international passport of 35-year-old Rukayya Saadina Dantata, who is standing trial for allegedly defrauding a bureau de change consulting firm of N350.9 million.

In her ruling, Justice Oshodi stated that there was insufficient evidence to prove that Dantata’s condition could not be adequately treated in Nigeria. She further noted that the documents submitted before the court lacked enough details to establish that the defendant was suffering from a life-threatening condition that would require urgent treatment abroad.

Dantata is facing charges of cheating and obtaining money under false pretenses. The Inspector General of Police (IGP), represented by prosecution counsel Mr. Morufu Animashaun from the Force CID in Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos, had arraigned her. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail with the condition that she submit her international passport to the Chief Court Registrar.

In her application, Dantata sought the release of her passport on medical grounds, claiming she needed to travel abroad for treatment. Her counsel, Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN), argued that the defendant’s health required immediate overseas attention. However, Animashaun strongly opposed the request, presenting a counter-affidavit dated December 24, 2024, arguing that allowing Dantata to travel would jeopardize the trial and could lead to her fleeing the country to escape justice.

The prosecution submitted four exhibits to support their case, including a warrant for Dantata’s arrest issued by the Federal High Court in Abuja, a Police Gazette Bulletin declaring her wanted, and a petition to the EFCC. The prosecution argued that Dantata had previously failed to honor a police invitation and allegedly procured a new passport to escape the country.

Justice Oshodi, after hearing the arguments from both parties on January 10, 2025, emphasized that the defendant had failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances justifying the release of her passport. The judge stated, “The defendant has not provided evidence that her condition cannot be treated in Nigeria, and the referral letter lacks sufficient details to show that she requires urgent overseas medical attention.”

Further, the judge noted the prosecution’s substantial concerns regarding the defendant being a flight risk, citing the police’s declaration of her as wanted and the evidence that she may have procured a new passport with the intent to abscond. Justice Oshodi concluded, “The defendant’s further affidavit does not address these concerns. Therefore, I find that the defendant has failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances warranting the release of her international passport. The application is accordingly refused.”

The ruling underscores the court’s priority to ensure the defendant’s appearance at trial and uphold the integrity of the legal process.