COURT SETS JULY 17 TO RULE ON YAHAYA BELLO’S REQUEST TO TRAVEL ABROAD
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By: Muftau Fatimo
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Maitama, has scheduled July 17 to deliver its ruling on a request by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, seeking permission to travel abroad for medical treatment.
Bello, currently facing a 16-count money laundering charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is asking the court to release his international passport, which was seized as a condition of his bail. Through his lead counsel, Prof. Joseph Daudu, SAN, Bello told the court that he has a scheduled medical appointment in the United Kingdom, following a cardiologist’s recommendation.
He acknowledged that the court, while granting him bail, ordered him not to leave the country without prior approval. He pledged to return and continue with his trial.
However, the EFCC opposed the application, arguing that Bello is a flight risk and had previously filed a similar request before the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he faces a separate criminal case. The agency described the move as an abuse of court process, warning that allowing conflicting rulings from two courts of coordinate jurisdiction could undermine the judiciary’s integrity.
“If the Federal High Court rejects the application and this court grants it, it would make a mockery of our judicial system,” the EFCC argued in its counter-affidavit.
The prosecution, led by Mr. Chukwudi Enebele, SAN, also faulted Bello for failing to notify his sureties of the application, arguing they should be aware in case they are held accountable if he fails to return. The EFCC further informed the court that Bello is listed on Interpol’s red notice, meaning he could be arrested if he travels abroad.
In response, Daudu, SAN, insisted the sureties were already aware of the travel plans and rejected concerns over Interpol, noting that Bello has never violated any court orders.
After hearing both sides, Justice Maryann Anenih adjourned the matter to July 17 for ruling.
Background
Bello, who served as governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, is being prosecuted alongside two former state officials—Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu—on charges bordering on conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully acquired property.
The EFCC accuses Bello of misappropriating over ₦110 billion in state funds, which were allegedly used to purchase several high-value properties in Abuja and Dubai, and to make foreign transfers totaling over $1 million to bank accounts in the United States.
Some of the assets listed include:
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₦950 million property on Danube Street, Maitama
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₦920 million residence on Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro
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₦170 million property in Wuse Zone 4
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A hotel apartment in Dubai worth over 5.6 million dirhams
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Foreign transfers totaling $1.1 million to TD Bank, USA
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₦677.8 million traced to Bespoque Business Solution Limited
Bello was previously remanded in Kuje prison on December 10, 2024, but was later granted bail in the sum of ₦500 million, with three sureties in like amount. His co-defendants were also granted bail.
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