A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sitting in Maitama, has scheduled July 17 to deliver a ruling on an application filed by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, seeking permission to travel abroad for medical treatment.
Bello, who is facing a 16-count charge of money laundering brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), made the application through his legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Joseph Daudu. He is requesting the release of his international passport, which was confiscated as part of his bail conditions.
The former governor informed the court that he has a scheduled medical appointment in the United Kingdom, based on a recommendation from a cardiologist. He acknowledged that the court had earlier barred him from travelling without express permission but urged the judge to exercise discretion in his favour. Bello also pledged to return to Nigeria for the continuation of his trial.
However, the EFCC opposed the application, arguing that Bello poses a flight risk. In a counter-affidavit, the commission described the request as an abuse of court process, pointing out that the defendant had made a similar application before the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he faces another set of charges.
The prosecution, represented by Chukwudi Enebele, SAN, further accused Bello of attempting to set two courts of coordinate jurisdiction on a collision course by filing identical applications in both.
Additionally, the EFCC argued that the former governor failed to serve a copy of the application on his sureties. According to the prosecution, the sureties should be informed to determine whether they are still willing to be held responsible should Bello abscond and fail to return for trial.
