Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama has reserved ruling on an application filed by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, seeking permission to travel to the United Kingdom for medical treatment. The court will deliver its decision on Thursday, July 17.
Bello is currently facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, over allegations of criminal breach of trust involving N110.4 billion. The charges, filed under suit number FCT/HC/CR/778/24, comprise 16 counts and are based on provisions of the Penal Code applicable in Northern Nigeria.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, Bello’s legal counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, argued in favour of the application, urging the court to grant temporary release of his client’s international passport to enable him seek medical attention abroad. Daudu noted that the court had, as part of Bello’s bail conditions granted in December 2024, required him to approach the court through a formal motion whenever travel was necessary.
He rejected the EFCC’s position that the application amounted to abuse of court process, pointing out that the same prosecution had instituted multiple cases against Bello across different courts.
“It is not an abuse to make applications in courts handling different charges,” Daudu argued. “The application before this court is in line with the bail terms granted here, and each court has the discretion to grant or deny such requests.”
He also stressed that Bello has consistently complied with court appearances and posed no flight risk.
However, EFCC’s counsel, Chukwudi Enebeli, SAN, opposed the application, arguing that Bello had failed to notify his sureties of his intent to leave the country. He also raised concerns over filing similar applications at both the Federal High Court and FCT High Court, warning it could result in conflicting rulings.
“If the Federal High Court denies the application and this court grants it, it would cast doubts on the credibility of the judicial process,” Enebeli stated.
He further argued that since the former governor’s passport is not currently in the custody of the FCT High Court, it cannot order its release.
After hearing both sides, Justice Anenih adjourned the matter to July 17, when she is expected to rule on whether or not Bello will be allowed to travel for medical purposes.
