Written by Mohammed Shosanya, Lagos
Thursday, 02 August 2007

The Federal High Court in Lagos will today rule on Dr.Chimaroke Nnamani's bail application and two others associates facing a 105 count fraud charge.

Gout, known as the "Victorian gentleman’s disease" is caused by having a high fat diet.

The embattled former Governor alongside Sunday An-yaogu and Sylvia Onwu-buemeli, are accused of conspiracy and money laundering to the tune of N5.6billion.

Counsel to the accused persons, led by Mr Ricky Tarfa (SAN) and Chief Chris Uche (SAN) yesterday said: "On July 13 due to a sharp deterioration of his health, he was admitted into the National Hospital, Abuja and he is being treated for hyperuricemia. The ailment causes him chest pain, palpitation, dizziness, and difficulty in sleeping and he also suffers from High Blood Pressure," Hyperu-ricemia, otherwise known as gout, is caused by a lifetime of eating rich foods.

His counsel said: "In view of the fact that the hospital, could no longer manage effectively his health situation, he was advised to urgently travel abroad and continue his medical treatments. He thereafter, applied to the EFCC for the release of his international travelling passport to enable him treats himself outside the country in a hospital that could treat his conditions but the EFCC is yet to grant the request".

The EFCC stormed the National Hospital, Abuja, July 14 and cordoned off his room in the hospital on the excuse that he was under arrest.

But lead prosecuting counsel, Mr Kevin Uzozie disclosed to the court that the accused persons may not make themselves available for trial if given bail.

He said: ‘’The man is not a man of integrity. In one affidavit, he claimed that he was going for his son’s graduation in the United States. In another affidavit, he claimed he was going for medical treatment abroad. Such an inconsistent person will not make himself available for trial if granted bail’’.