Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court, Ikeja, has refused an application to release the international passport of 35-year-old Rukayya Saadina Dantata, who is on trial for allegedly defrauding a bureau de change consulting firm of N350.9 million.
Dantata had requested the release of her passport on medical grounds, but the court ruled that there was no sufficient evidence proving she required urgent overseas treatment.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), represented by prosecutor Morufu Animashaun, opposed the request, arguing that Dantata was a flight risk.
The prosecution presented multiple exhibits, including arrest warrants and a police bulletin declaring her wanted.
Justice Oshodi upheld the prosecution’s arguments, stating that the defendant failed to show exceptional circumstances justifying her request.
The application was therefore denied.
Dantata alleged offence borders on cheating, and obtaining money under false pretences.
She had pleaded not guilty to the counts charge, she was granted bail and one of the condition was the submission of her International passport to the Chief Court Registrar her to attend trial.
