FCT Court Rejects Yahaya Bello’s Request to Travel Abroad for Medical Treatment
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama has rejected an application by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, seeking permission to travel abroad for medical treatment.
Presiding Judge Maryann Anenih on Thursday ruled that the court could not consider the application since Bello’s international passport is not in its custody.
“Even if the request to retrieve the international passport were to be granted, it would be of no effect since the passport was not in its custody but with the federal high court,” the judge held.
Bello, through his counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), filed the application dated June 20. It was argued on July 8. However, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) opposed the request, filing a counter-affidavit.
The anti-graft agency described the application as an “abuse of court process” and argued that granting it could stall the ongoing trial.
The EFCC noted that a similar application had already been filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In response, Daudu maintained that the fresh application was not an abuse, stating that “the charges in both courts are separate and distinct.”
Bello is facing a 16-count charge of alleged criminal breach of trust involving N110.4 billion. He is also standing trial in another court on a separate 19-count charge of alleged money laundering amounting to N80.2 billion.
The case was adjourned to October 8 and 9, and November 13, 2025, for continuation of the trial.
