By Peter Omopo
Abuja, July 21, 2025 — The Federal High Court in Abuja has denied a request by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, for the release of his international passport to enable him to travel abroad for medical treatment.
Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling delivered on Monday, held that the medical report attached to Bello’s application was unsigned and, therefore, inadmissible and lacking legal weight. The report, submitted as Exhibit B, was deemed to have no probative value and was described by the court as “worthless.”
Bello is currently facing charges of alleged N80.2 billion fraud brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He is standing trial before Justice Nwite at the Federal High Court, as well as before Justice Maryanne Anenih at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Maitama, on related charges.
In his application, Bello, through his lead counsel Joseph Daudu (SAN), requested the release of his travel documents on medical grounds, citing a long-standing history of hypertension spanning over 15 years. The defence submitted two exhibits, including the unsigned medical report, in support of the motion.
However, the EFCC opposed the request, arguing that Bello had filed a similar application before the FCT High Court. The anti-graft agency described the move as an abuse of court process, warning that it could lead to conflicting rulings between courts of coordinate jurisdiction.
Justice Nwite disagreed with the EFCC’s claim of abuse, stating that Bello was entitled to seek relief from both courts since they had both granted him bail in December 2024. The judge also clarified that sureties did not need to be informed or joined in such applications, as there was no legal provision cited by the prosecution to that effect.
On the overlapping applications, Justice Anenih had previously declined to grant a similar request, noting that the passport in question was not in her court’s custody but with the Federal High Court. She added that even if she approved the motion, it would be ineffective since the document was not before her court.
Despite upholding the legality of Bello’s motion before the Federal High Court, Justice Nwite ruled that the absence of a signed medical report rendered the application unsubstantiated.
“The defendant has failed to place sufficient material before this court to warrant the release of his passport for travel. Consequently, this application is hereby refused,” the judge concluded.
The matter has been adjourned for continuation of trial on October 7, 10, and November 10 and 11, 2025.
