By Peter Omopo
Abuja, July 8, 2025 — The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has fixed July 17, 2025, to deliver its ruling on a motion filed by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, seeking the temporary release of his international passport to enable him travel abroad for medical treatment.
Justice Maryann Anenih adjourned the matter after hearing arguments from the defence and prosecution teams on Tuesday.
Bello, who is facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged ₦110.4 billion fraud, had submitted an application supported by a 22-paragraph affidavit, a medical report, and a physician’s appointment letter from abroad.
His lawyer, Joseph Daudu (SAN), argued that the request was made on 13 legal grounds and is consistent with the court’s December 2024 ruling, which stated that Bello could apply for international travel when necessary. He said the former governor had not breached any bail conditions, had informed his sureties, and had consistently appeared in court.
However, prosecuting counsel Chukwudi Enyebili (SAN), adopting a 45-paragraph counter-affidavit, opposed the motion, describing it as an abuse of court process. He revealed that Bello had filed a similar application at the Federal High Court, which is still pending, warning of the risk of conflicting rulings.
“The passport is not before this court,” Enyebili argued, adding that the Federal High Court’s order, which also involves Bello’s bail conditions, takes precedence.
Enyebili also questioned the authenticity of the medical report presented, noting inconsistencies between the signatory and the physician who issued the appointment. He called the report “a worthless piece of paper” and suggested Bello seek treatment at the Kogi Reference Hospital, which the former governor commissioned during his tenure.
Citing the international dimension of the case, including money laundering allegations and previous Interpol alerts issued against Bello, the prosecution warned that allowing him to travel abroad could jeopardise the trial.
In response, Daudu dismissed concerns of judicial conflict, stating that courts of coordinate jurisdiction—the FCT High Court and the Federal High Court—could independently rule on such matters.
After listening to both sides, Justice Anenih adjourned the matter to July 17 for ruling on the motion.
