Court to Rule July 17 on Yahaya Bello’s Request to Travel Abroad for Medical Treatment
Former Kogi Governor asks FCT High Court to release passport as EFCC warns of potential trial delay
Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has scheduled July 17, 2025, for ruling on a request by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to retrieve his international passport in order to seek medical care abroad.
The application was brought before the court on Tuesday during proceedings in the money laundering case filed against the former governor by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello’s counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, told the court that the motion, dated June 19 and filed the following day, seeks an order directing the court registrar to release his client’s travel document to enable him to access urgent medical attention outside the country.
Daudu noted that the request was supported by a 22-paragraph affidavit sworn to by Bello himself, and based on 13 legal grounds. In response to the EFCC’s opposition, he submitted a further affidavit filed on July 7, also deposed to by Bello, with two attached exhibits: certified true copies of previous court rulings that granted the defendant bail.
“We adopt these documents in urging your lordship to grant our application,” Daudu said.
The EFCC, represented by Chukwudi Enebele, SAN, filed a counter-affidavit opposing the application. Enebele argued that granting the travel request could stall trial proceedings and compromise the judicial process.
He further contended that Bello’s legal team had submitted a similar application at the Federal High Court, describing the move as a potential abuse of court process and a risk of contradictory rulings.
“If the Federal High Court refuses the application and this court grants it, it will create confusion and make a mockery of the judicial system,” the EFCC counsel warned.
Enebele also raised concern over the status of Bello’s sureties, stating that they should have been formally notified of his intention to leave the country, as it may affect their willingness to remain as guarantors.
Daudu, however, dismissed those concerns, stating that the sureties were already aware and did not require further notification. He also downplayed the issue of Interpol involvement, claiming the red alerts previously issued were no longer active, and that Bello had consistently complied with court directives.
Justice Anenih, after hearing arguments from both sides, adjourned the matter to July 17 for ruling on the travel request.
