A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, sitting in Maitama, has fixed July 17 to deliver its ruling on an application brought by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, seeking permission to travel abroad for a medical checkup.
Bello, who is currently standing trial on a 16-count charge of money laundering filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, is asking the court to release his international passport.
The document was seized as part of his bail conditions. His legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof. Joseph Daudu, told the court that the former governor has a scheduled medical appointment in the United Kingdom on the recommendation of a cardiologist.
While making the plea, Bello acknowledged that the court, in its earlier bail ruling, instructed that he must not leave the country without prior approval.
He therefore appealed to the court to exercise discretion in his favour, assuring that he would return for the continuation of the trial.
The EFCC, however, opposed the request, arguing that Bello represents a flight risk. In a counter-affidavit, the agency described the application as an abuse of court process, pointing out that Bello had filed a similar request before the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he is facing a separate criminal charge.
The EFCC warned that having two courts of coordinate jurisdiction handle identical applications could create judicial confusion.
“If the Federal High Court refuses that application and my lord grants it, it will make mockery of our Judicial system,” the agency stated.
Additionally, prosecuting counsel, Mr. Chukwudi Enebele, SAN, submitted that Bello should have served a copy of the application to his sureties, allowing them to decide whether they would remain liable if he fails to return.
The EFCC also revealed that Interpol had placed the former governor on its red notice, cautioning that he could be arrested the moment he steps out of the country.
In response, Bello’s counsel, Daudu, maintained that the sureties were already in the know.
“They are aware and we need not put them on notice,” he told the court. He further argued that his client had never breached any of the court’s directives, dismissing concerns about an Interpol arrest.
After hearing submissions from both sides, Justice Maryann Anenih adjourned the matter for ruling.
Bello governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2024 and is on trial for his alleged involvement in the embezzlement of N110 billion. Standing trial alongside him are Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, both officials of the Kogi State Government.
The charge, numbered CR/7781, covers allegations of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully acquired assets.
According to the EFCC, Bello used public funds to purchase various properties, including:
No. 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja (N950 million)
No. 1160, Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II District, Abuja (N100 million)
No. 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja (N920 million)
Block D, Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N170 million)
Hotel Apartment Community: Burj Khalifa, Dubai (5,698,888 Dirhams)
Block 18, Gwelo Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N60 million)
No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja (N310.4 million)
The EFCC further accused the defendants of making illegal transfers of $570,330 and $556,265 to TD Bank, USA, and of receiving N677.8 million from Bespoque Business Solution Limited.
Though the court had ordered Bello’s remand at Kuje Correctional Centre on December 10, 2024, it later granted him bail set at N500 million, with three sureties in the same amount.
His co-defendants had been earlier granted bail.