A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, has fixed July 17 to rule on an application filed by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello seeking the release of his passport to travel abroad for medical care.
The presiding judge, Justice Maryanne Anenih, adjourned the matter after hearing arguments from both Bello’s legal team and the prosecution counsel representing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello Seeks Medical Travel Abroad
Bello’s lead counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), told the court that the application was necessary to enable the former governor attend a medical appointment overseas. He stated that the motion was supported by a 22-paragraph affidavit and a medical report detailing his client’s condition.
“He has never breached any of his bail conditions and has always appeared in court,” Daudu argued, emphasizing that Bello had complied fully with the terms of his N500 million bail granted in December 2024, including the surrender of his passport.
EFCC Opposes the Application
However, the prosecution, led by Chukwudi Enyinna, objected to the request, describing it as an abuse of court process, given that a similar motion was pending before the Federal High Court in another related matter.
Enyinna also cast doubt on the authenticity of the medical documents, noting discrepancies in the doctor’s signature and the absence of professional qualifications.
“The defendant should take advantage of the ultra-modern Reference Hospital in Okene, Kogi State, which he built while in office,” the EFCC counsel argued.
He further expressed concern that granting the application could jeopardize the trial, reminding the court that Bello had previously been declared wanted and placed on a security watchlist by the EFCC.
Charges Against Bello
Yahaya Bello is currently standing trial on 16 counts of criminal breach of trust and money laundering amounting to ₦110.4 billion, brought against him by the EFCC. He was arraigned alongside Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman, and Abdulsalam Hudu.
In a related case before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Bello is also facing charges involving ₦80.2 billion, and has filed a similar application to travel for medical treatment. That court is expected to rule on July 21.
The EFCC has opposed both motions, maintaining that the former governor poses a flight risk and may evade justice if allowed to leave the country.
