A High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has fixed 17 July 2025 to rule on an application by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, seeking permission to travel abroad for medical treatment.
Bello’s counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), recently told the court that the application, filed on 20 June, requests the release of his client’s international passport to enable the trip.
However, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) opposed the move, filing a counter-affidavit. The agency argued that the request could delay ongoing legal proceedings and labelled it an “abuse of court process”, noting Bello had made a similar application before a Federal High Court.
Daudu pushed back, insisting the charges in both courts are distinct and that filing in both is necessary. “It will be a futile exercise to apply in one court and not the other,” he said.
EFCC counsel Chukwudi Enebele countered that filing the same request in separate courts risks judicial conflict. “If the Federal High Court refuses that application and my Lord grants it, it will make a mockery of our judicial system,” he warned. He also questioned why Bello’s sureties hadn’t been formally notified.
Daudu responded that the sureties were informed and dismissed concerns about international red notices. “He has never flouted your Lordship’s order,” Daudu maintained.
Justice Maryann Anenih adjourned the matter for ruling on 17 July.
Background
Bello is facing a 16-count charge over an alleged N110.4 billion fraud, including criminal breach of trust. He is accused alongside former aides Abdulsalami Hudu and Umar Oricha of using Kogi State funds to acquire luxury properties in Abuja and Dubai.
