The Federal Capital Territory High Court, On Thursday, clarified that it does not hold the international passport of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
This clarification came in response to an application filed by Bello seeking temporary release of his passport to enable him to travel abroad for medical reasons.
During an earlier session, Bello’s lead counsel, J.B. Daudu (SAN), argued the motion based on 13 legal grounds.
He reminded the court that in its December 2024 ruling, it had granted the defendant liberty to file a formal request if he wished to travel abroad.
He stressed that the court’s ruling did not explicitly prohibit international travel or impose any specific restrictions.
Citing a Certified True Copy of the court’s bail ruling, marked as Exhibit C, Daudu argued that the current request was in alignment with the court’s previous position.
He further highlighted that Bello had consistently appeared for court proceedings, was not a flight risk, and had informed his sureties of his intent to travel.
However, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission opposed the application with a 45-paragraph counter-affidavit.
The Commission described Bello’s motion as a misuse of court processes, pointing out that he had filed a similar application before the Federal High Court, which remains pending.
The EFCC warned that seeking the same relief in two different courts could result in conflicting rulings and undermine the integrity of the judiciary.
“The passport sought to be released is not before this court,” the prosecution noted, arguing that since the passport is in the Federal High Court’s custody, the FCT High Court should not issue any ruling on it.
Bello is currently facing trial alongside two others over allegations of misappropriating N110.4 billion during his tenure as Kogi State Governor.
He is also standing trial in a separate case before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja over an alleged N80.2 billion fraud.
During the resumed hearing of the money laundering suit at the FCT High Court, Justice Maryanne Anenih stated that the court would have considered the request if it had the travel documents in its possession.
She clarified that a review of court records showed Bello had previously been directed to deposit his passport with the court registry.
However, further inquiries revealed that the passport is not in the FCT High Court’s custody.
“A review of the court’s record revealed that the applicant had previously been ordered to deposit his international passport and other travel documents with the court’s registry.
“However, upon further enquiry and search conducted by the court, it was discovered that the said international passport is not presently in the custody of the court’s registry but with the Federal High Court,” Justice Anenih explained.
She added that Bello had admitted in an affidavit that the passport was deposited at the Federal High Court as part of the conditions of his bail.
“The simple logic is that the passport cannot be in the custody of two different courts at the same time. Since the defendant has admitted depositing it with the Federal High Court, there is no reason for this court to make any order in that regard.
“Courts do not make orders in vain. Therefore, this court will not make an order that would have no effect, as the passport in question is not with this court but with the Federal High Court.”
Bello also acknowledged in his filing that the travel documents were deposited at the Federal High Court.
Daudu equally confirmed earlier that the passport was not in the custody of the FCT High Court.
Following the court’s position, Justice Anenih adjourned the matter to October 8, 9, and November 13, 2025, for continuation of trial.
