Yahaya Bello’s passport request sparks legal debate as court adjourns ruling on his bid to travel abroad for medical reasons amid EFCC corruption trial
The application for the release of Yahaya Bello’s passport will be decided on 17 July 2025, as Justice Maryann Anenih of the FCT High Court reserved ruling in the ongoing EFCC trial involving the former Kogi State Governor.
Also read: Yahaya Bello EFCC Trial Sees Court Admit Kogi Government Accounts as Evidence
Bello, who is facing charges of alleged money laundering brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has asked the court to release his international passport so he can travel abroad for urgent medical attention.
His counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, made the plea during Tuesday’s court sitting, stating that the motion was supported by a sworn 22-paragraph affidavit deposed by Bello himself.
“This request is based on health concerns, and the court is already in possession of bail rulings from both the FCT and Federal High Courts,” Daudu said.
He submitted two exhibits showing prior bail conditions in support of the application.
In response, EFCC counsel Chukwudi Enebele, SAN opposed the request, citing concerns that the application could stall the trial.
He argued that Bello’s sureties were not properly notified, which could undermine the conditions of his bail.
“There’s a risk of conflicting judgments. If one court rejects it and another approves it, our system loses credibility,” Enebele warned.
Daudu countered the EFCC’s claims, describing them as speculative. He insisted that Yahaya Bello’s passport application did not violate any court processes and that the applicant had remained compliant throughout his legal proceedings.
He added, “The sureties are fully informed, and the suggestion of an Interpol arrest is outdated. My client is committed to facing trial.”
Also read: Witness Reveals How ₦1bn Left Kogi Government Account in Days During Yahaya Bello’s Tenure
Justice Anenih, after listening to both arguments, adjourned the case to 17 July for ruling, a decision that could affect the pace and outcome of the high-profile corruption case.
