Abuja, January 29, 2026 — A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, permission to travel to Saudi Arabia to perform the 2026 lesser Hajj (Umrah).
Justice Emeka Nwite ordered the temporary release of Bello’s international passport, which has been in the custody of the court, to enable him undertake the religious exercise during the month of Ramadan.
Bello is currently standing trial over alleged money laundering involving N80.2 billion, following charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He has pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
The request to travel was contained in an application dated January 20, 2026, supported by a 24-paragraph affidavit personally sworn to by Bello. His lead counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, told the court that the former governor had not visited the Holy Land in over eight years and wished to go for prayers and supplication.
Daudu added that the journey was necessary for Bello to seek divine intervention concerning the charges against him.
Responding, EFCC’s lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, said the prosecution did not oppose the application but insisted that all previously fixed trial dates must remain unchanged.
In a brief ruling, Justice Nwite granted the request, approving the release of Bello’s passport from March 13, 2026, for a period of 10 days.
“I have listened to the submissions of counsel in this matter and am minded to grant the application,” the judge ruled.
The case was adjourned till Friday, January 30, for the continuation of proceedings, including the examination of the seventh prosecution witness (PW7).
Earlier, PW7, Olomotane Egoro, an official of Access Bank subpoenaed by the EFCC, testified that funds from various local government areas in Kogi State were paid into accounts linked to Fazab Business Enterprise and E-Traders International Ltd, from which multiple cash withdrawals were allegedly made.
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