N350m fraud: Dantata loses quest to retrieve international passport 

 

IKEJA, Lagos – A Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja has turned down request by Rukayya Saadina Dantata to retrieve her International passport.

Justice Rahman Oshodih held that there was no evidence to establishes that Dantata’s alleged  ailments cannot be adequately treated in Nigeria.

The judge held that the exhibit before the court lacks sufficient details to establish a life-threatening condition requiring urgent overseas treatment.

It would be recalled that the defendant, Dantata was standing trial before the court for allegedly defrauding a bureau de change consulting firm of N350.9 million.

The Inspector General of Police ((IGP) had through his prosecution counsel from ForceCID, Alagbon Ikoyi Lagos, Mr Morufu Animashaun arraigned a 35-year-old woman, Rukayya Dantata.

Dantata’s alleged offence bothered on cheating, and obtaining money under false pretences.

She had pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail but ordered to deposit her International passport with the registry.

The defendant therefore filed a motion on notice before the court, seeking release of her International passport on medical grounds. The court however heard the counsel to the parties argument on January 10, 2025.

Dr Muiz Banire (SAN) prayed the court to grant the defendant application while Animashaun vehemently opposed the release of the defendant international passport.

The IGP through Animashaun argued a counter-affidavit dated December 24, 2024, that granting the defendant request would endanger the trial.

The prosecution however tendered four exhibits to substantiate his claims that the defendant was a flight risk.

“There are seven exhibits which include warrant of arrest issued by Federal High Court in Abuja and Nasarawa Chief Magistrates’ Court, Police Gazette Bulletin which declared her wanted and a petition to EFCC.

He noted that releasing her passport will make her fleeing the country to escape justice.

However, Justice Oshodi said that he has carefully considered all evidence and applying the established legal principles.

” I find that the defendant has failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances warranting her international passport’s release.

“No evidence establishes that the defendant’s condition cannot be adequately treated in Nigeria. Secondly, the referral letter (Exhibit RSD2) lacks sufficient detail to establish a life-threatening condition requiring urgent overseas treatment.”

The judge further held that, “the prosecution has raised substantial concerns regarding flight risk through Exhibit C, a Special Police Gazette Bulletin indicating the defendant was previously declared wanted for failing to honour police invitation and allegedly procured a new international passport to abscond out of Nigeria. See paragraphs 6(f) and 7(d) of the counter-affidavit.

“The defendant’s further affidavit does not condescend upon these facts. I must accord priority to this uncontroverted deposition along with the supporting documentary evidence (Exhibits C and D, an arrest warrant).

” Having carefully considered all evidence and applying the established legal principles, I find that the defendant has failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances warranting her international passport’s release. The application is accordingly refused.”