A High Court in Maitama, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has set July 17 to deliver its ruling on a travel application filed by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, who is seeking permission to travel abroad for medical treatment.
At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, Bello’s counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), informed the court that an application was filed on June 20, requesting the release of his client’s international passport to facilitate the medical trip.
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“It seeks an order for the release of the 1st defendant/applicant’s international passport by the registrar to enable him to travel for medical attention,” Daudu said.
However, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed a counter-affidavit opposing the request, arguing that granting the application could stall the ongoing trial. The commission described the motion as an “abuse of court process,” citing a similar application already filed before a Federal High Court.
Daudu countered the EFCC’s claim, stating that the cases at the two courts involve different charges, and it is necessary to apply before both.
“It would be futile to apply in one court and not the other,” he argued.
EFCC counsel Chukwudi Enebele further contended that Bello should have notified his sureties about the travel application, as they need to reconsider their willingness to stand for him during his absence.
“If the federal high court refuses that application and this court grants it, it will make a mockery of our judicial system,” Enebele warned, adding that filing the same request in two courts could put the judiciary at odds.
Daudu, in response, dismissed concerns about the sureties, saying they were already aware of the situation. He also described the EFCC’s reference to international red alerts as irrelevant.
“It’s a dead argument. He has never disobeyed your lordship’s orders. They’ve even forgotten about those red alerts,” Daudu concluded.
Justice Maryann Anenih adjourned the matter to July 17 for ruling.
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Background
Bello is facing a 16-count charge for allegedly misappropriating ₦110.4 billion during his tenure as governor. The charges include criminal breach of trust under the Penal Code Law (1963).
He is being tried alongside two former state officials, Abdulsalami Hudu and Umar Oricha, for allegedly using Kogi State funds to purchase luxury properties in Abuja and Dubai.
