SunTrust MD in Money Laundering Case Seeks US Medical Trip

SunTrust Bank MD Seeks Court Permission for US Medical Trip Amid Money Laundering Trial

Halima Buba, Managing Director of SunTrust Bank Ltd., has requested permission from a Federal High Court in Abuja to travel to the United States for urgent medical treatment related to pregnancy complications. The request comes while she faces trial on six counts of money laundering.

Buba, through her counsel, Johnson Usman, SAN, filed a motion on February 3 seeking to vary her bail conditions. She specifically asked the court to release her international passport, which was previously deposited with the registry, to enable travel for the medical procedure scheduled in Indiana, USA. She proposed traveling on February 15 and returning by the end of the month, undertaking to attend any subsequent court date.

In an affidavit supporting her motion, Buba stated she registered for antenatal care at a hospital in Abuja where complications were identified. She claimed she was subsequently referred to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist in the United States for urgent treatment. She emphasized that she has consistently complied with all bail conditions since being granted release in June 2025, always attending court proceedings.

However, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), prosecuting Buba and her co-defendant, Innocent Mbagwu, strongly opposed the application. EFCC counsel, Ogechi Ujam, filed a counter-affidavit arguing that Buba’s claims were speculative and unsubstantiated. Ujam contended that there was no evidence the Nigerian healthcare system was incapable of managing her condition or that any Nigerian doctor had advised foreign treatment. She further argued that no concrete medical appointment had been confirmed with the proposed US facility.

The EFCC lawyer highlighted the seriousness of the alleged $12 million fraud offense and noted that three prosecution witnesses had already provided incriminating testimony. She expressed concern that in high-profile cases, defendants often use medical excuses to flee, stating Buba had not provided sufficient proof of why treatment must be abroad. An EFCC medical officer reportedly informed the court that Buba’s condition could be managed in Nigeria.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the matter until March 4 for a ruling on Buba’s application. The decision will determine whether her bail conditions will be relaxed to permit the international travel. The trial, which began with the defendants’ arraignment in July 2025, remains ongoing.