The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has clarified that it does not hold the international passport of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
This clarification was made during Thursday’s proceedings in the ongoing money laundering case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello had requested the temporary release of his passport to enable him to travel abroad for medical treatment.
His legal counsel, J.B. Daudu (SAN), argued that a court ruling from December 2024 granted Bello the right to apply for travel permission and that the current request met all the stipulated conditions. He also noted that Bello has been compliant with court appearances and poses no flight risk.
However, the EFCC strongly opposed the request, calling it an abuse of court process. The Commission pointed out that a similar application is already pending before the Federal High Court in Abuja, which currently holds the passport.
EFCC lawyers cautioned that granting the same relief in both courts could result in contradictory rulings and damage the credibility of the judiciary.
Presiding judge, Justice Maryanne Anenih, agreed, stating that the passport is indeed in the custody of the Federal High Court, as Bello himself confirmed in an affidavit.
“A single passport cannot be in two courts at the same time,” Justice Anenih said. “This court cannot issue an order that would be unenforceable.”
She reiterated that courts do not make orders in vain, and since the travel document is not within her court’s jurisdiction, the application was rendered ineffective.
The case was subsequently adjourned to October 8, 9, and November 13, 2025, for continuation.
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