Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court has adjourned till July 17, 2025, to deliver a ruling on the application filed by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello seeking permission to travel abroad for medical treatment.
The application was heard during Tuesday’s proceedings in the money laundering case brought against Bello by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello’s lead counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), informed the court that the application dated June 19 and filed June 20 seeks the release of his client’s international passport to enable him to seek medical attention overseas.
The application was supported by a 22-paragraph affidavit personally deposed by the former governor, citing 13 grounds for the request.
The EFCC’s prosecution team, led by Chukwudi Enebele (SAN), opposed the application through a counter-affidavit, arguing that granting the request could delay trial proceedings.
The anti-graft agency also raised concerns about Yahaya Bello’s failure to notify his sureties about the travel plans, which they argued was necessary for the sureties to determine whether to continue standing for him.
In response, Daudu presented a further 20-paragraph affidavit filed on July 7, accompanied by two exhibits, the court’s earlier bail ruling and a similar ruling from the Federal High Court.
The defence counsel rejected EFCC’s claim that the application constituted an abuse of court process, noting that since the commission filed separate charges in different courts, it was necessary to make corresponding applications in both jurisdictions.
The prosecution maintained that filing identical applications in two courts could create jurisdictional conflicts.
Justice Anenih adjourned the matter for ruling, while the legal teams continue preparations for the substantive money laundering case against the former governor.
The court’s decision on July 17 will determine whether Yahaya Bello can temporarily leave the country amid ongoing legal proceedings.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
