Justice Maryann Anenih of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has fixed July 17, 2025, for ruling on an application filed by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, seeking permission to travel abroad for medical treatment.
The application was presented during Tuesday’s hearing in the money laundering case filed against Bello by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello’s counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, told the court that the application, dated June 19 and filed on June 20, 2025, sought the release of the defendant’s international passport by the court’s registrar to enable him seek medical attention abroad. He said the motion was supported by a 22-paragraph affidavit sworn to by Bello himself.
The EFCC, however, opposed the application through a counter-affidavit, arguing that allowing the former governor to travel could hinder ongoing proceedings.
Responding, Daudu informed the court that his team had filed a 20-paragraph further affidavit, also deposed to by Bello, and attached two exhibits – a Certified True Copy of Justice Anenih’s earlier ruling granting the defendant bail and a similar ruling by the Federal High Court.
The prosecution argued that the application amounted to an abuse of court process, noting that a similar request was filed at the Federal High Court. EFCC counsel, Chukwudi Enebele, SAN, also contended that Bello should have notified his sureties of his intention to travel, as it could impact their willingness to continue standing as guarantors.
He further warned that granting the same application at two separate courts could put the judiciary in disrepute. “If the Federal High Court refuses the application and this court grants it, it will make a mockery of our judicial system,” he said.
Daudu countered that it was not an abuse of court process, as the EFCC had instituted separate charges in two courts, making it necessary to seek travel permissions in both. He also maintained that the sureties were aware and did not need to be formally notified.
On concerns over a possible Interpol arrest, Daudu dismissed the argument, stating that his client had consistently submitted himself to the court and that the issue of red alerts was no longer relevant.
After listening to arguments from both sides, Justice Anenih adjourned the matter until July 17 for ruling on the travel request.