The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed an application by Yahaya Bello, the former Kogi State Governor, seeking the release of his international passport to enable him to travel abroad for medical treatment.
Delivering the ruling on Monday, Justice Emeka Nwite stated that the medical report attached to the application—tendered as Exhibit B—was not signed by its maker, rendering it legally invalid and lacking any probative value.
Application Lacked Sufficient Evidence
According to the judge, the court could not rely on an unsigned document, emphasizing that such evidence holds no weight in the eyes of the law.
“Exhibit B is devoid of probative value and cannot be relied upon by the Court,” Justice Nwite declared.
“The defendant has failed to place sufficient material before this court for his passport to be released for him to travel. Consequently, this application is hereby refused.”
Background of the Case
Yahaya Bello is currently facing money laundering charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). At Monday’s resumed hearing, his legal team, led by Joseph Daudu (SAN), requested the release of his passport on health grounds, citing the former governor’s 15-year history as a hypertensive patient.
Daudu presented two documents—Exhibits A and B—as expert medical evidence. However, the court ruled that Exhibit B, which contained the main medical recommendation for foreign treatment, was inadmissible due to the lack of signature.
Prosecution’s Objection Dismissed
The prosecution team argued that the application was an abuse of court process and procedurally flawed, especially because sureties were not notified. However, Justice Nwite rejected this argument, stating:
“The counsel to the complainant did not cite any section of the law that says sureties should be given notice or made a party in the motion on notice.
The application does not amount to an abuse of court process as alleged by the prosecution, given that both the Federal High Court and the FCT High Court are courts of coordinate jurisdiction.”
Adjournment
With the court refusing the request, the matter was adjourned to October 7 and 10, and November 10 and 11, 2025, for continuation of trial.
