Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has fixed July 17, 2025, to deliver a ruling on an application filed by the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, seeking permission to travel abroad for medical attention.
At the resumed hearing of the money laundering case brought against Bello by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the former governor’s lead counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, told the court that the application was filed on June 20, 2025, seeking the release of his client’s international passport.
According to Daudu, the application was supported by a 22-paragraph affidavit sworn to by Bello himself, and based on 13 grounds. He said the request was crucial for the former governor to attend to urgent health needs abroad.
In response, the EFCC filed a counter-affidavit, arguing that granting the application could delay ongoing proceedings in the case. The prosecution also argued that Bello’s legal team filed a similar application at the Federal High Court, describing the move as an abuse of court process.
However, Daudu dismissed the claim, arguing that since the EFCC had filed separate charges in both courts, it was only logical for the defence to seek reliefs in both. “It will be a futile exercise to apply in one court and not in the other,” he said.
He further informed the court that the defence had submitted a 20-paragraph further affidavit, also deposed to by Bello, along with two exhibits: a certified true copy of the court’s earlier ruling granting him bail and a similar ruling from the Federal High Court.
On the EFCC’s argument that Bello failed to notify his sureties about his intention to travel, Daudu countered that the sureties were fully aware and that no further notice was required.
He also dismissed concerns about Interpol intervention, stating that the applicant had consistently complied with court orders and voluntarily submitted himself for trial.
EFCC counsel, Chukwudi Enebele, SAN, maintained that the defendant’s dual applications could create judicial conflict. “If the Federal High Court refuses the application and this court grants it, it will make a mockery of our judicial system,” he warned.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Anenih adjourned the matter to July 17 for ruling.
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