The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has postponed ruling on former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello’s request to retrieve his international passport for medical travel abroad. The court has set July 17, 2025, as the date for the decision.
Justice Maryann Anenih fixed the ruling after hearing submissions from both Bello’s legal team and the prosecution.
Bello, currently standing trial alongside two others, is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of diverting N110.4 billion in public funds during his tenure as governor.
Bello’s counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), filed a motion on June 20 requesting the temporary release of his client’s passport currently held as part of his bail conditions. The motion was backed by a 22-paragraph affidavit, a medical report, and an appointment letter from an overseas medical specialist.
Daudu argued that the application aligns with a December 2024 court order allowing Bello to apply for travel if needed. He emphasized that Bello has consistently complied with bail terms, kept his sureties informed, and poses no risk of absconding.
Opposing the motion, EFCC’s counsel Chukwudi Enyebili (SAN) described the application as an abuse of court process.
He noted that a similar request is already pending before the Federal High Court and warned against the risk of conflicting judicial decisions.
Enyebili also contended that the passport in question is not in the custody of the FCT High Court, arguing that the court should not issue an order concerning a document it does not hold. He further questioned the authenticity and consistency of the medical documents submitted.
The EFCC counsel also pointed out that Bello could access advanced medical care at the Reference Hospital in Kogi State, a facility he commissioned during his time in office. Given the high-profile nature of the case, Enyebili warned that international travel could potentially jeopardize the proceedings.
In response, Daudu insisted that Bello had not violated any bail conditions and maintained that both the FCT High Court and the Federal High Court have jurisdiction to entertain the application.
Justice Anenih subsequently adjourned the matter to July 17 for a ruling.
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