The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, permission to travel to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to observe the lesser hajj during the last 10 days of Ramadan.
Justice Emeka Nwite approved the request on Thursday after Bello’s counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, moved a formal application before the court.
Daudu informed the court that the motion, dated January 19 and filed on January 20, sought the temporary release of Bello’s international passport to enable him to perform religious rites in Saudi Arabia during Ramadan.
According to the senior advocate, the application specifically requested approval for Bello to travel during Ramadan, which is expected to begin on February 18 and end on March 19.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, represented by Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, did not oppose the application.
During the proceedings, the court asked the former governor to clarify the length of time he intended to spend abroad. Bello explained that although he desired to remain in Mecca throughout Ramadan, he was mindful of his ongoing trial.
“I would have loved to spend the whole of Ramadan in Mecca,” Bello told the court. “However, I am conscious of my trial and I do not want to take anyone for granted.”
He added, “As stated by my counsel, I have not travelled outside Nigeria in the last eight years. I will only be spending the last 10 days of Ramadan in Mecca to offer prayers.”
In his ruling, Justice Nwite noted that the prosecution raised no objection to the request and subsequently granted the prayer with conditions.
“I have listened to the submissions of learned counsel to the defendant and observed that the prosecution is not opposing the application,” the judge said. “Accordingly, the defendant is permitted to spend only 10 days in the Holy Land, commencing from March 13.”
The court thereafter adjourned the case until January 30 for the continuation of trial.
