The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has declined a request by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, for the release of his travel passport, stating that the document is not in its possession.
Presiding Judge Justice Maryanne Anenih made the clarification on Thursday during proceedings in the money laundering case brought against the former governor by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello had sought the release of his passport to enable him to travel abroad for medical reasons. However, Justice Anenih ruled that the court was not in a position to grant the request since the passport is currently held by the Federal High Court in Abuja, under the jurisdiction of Justice Emeka Nwite.
“This court cannot entertain the application because the document in question is not before it,” Justice Anenih said, adding that even if the court were inclined to grant the application, it would be futile, given the passport is with another court.
The former governor is facing separate but related money laundering charges before both the FCT High Court and the Federal High Court in Abuja. His legal team, led by Joseph Daudu (SAN), had acknowledged that the passport was not in the FCT court’s custody, yet still filed an application for its release.
Daudu argued that the former governor was in urgent need of medical attention abroad and required access to his travel documents, which he had previously deposited in compliance with a court order.
However, court records indicate that the passport is held at the Federal High Court, in relation to a separate criminal case.
Following the ruling, Justice Anenih adjourned the matter to October 8, 9, and November 13, 2025, for continuation of hearing.
The EFCC has accused Bello of involvement in a multi-billion Naira money laundering scheme allegedly committed during his tenure as governor of Kogi State. He has consistently denied all allegations and maintains that the cases against him are politically motivated.
The legal wrangling over Bello’s passport further highlights the jurisdictional complexity of his ongoing legal battles, with multiple courts presiding over interconnected criminal proceedings.
