Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has requested the Federal High Court in Abuja to grant him access to his international passport so he can travel abroad for medical reasons.
Bello, who is currently facing trial over allegations of laundering ₦80.2 billion brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), made the request through his legal team during Friday’s court session.
His lead counsel, J.B. Daudu (SAN), submitted an application seeking the temporary release of his client’s travel documents, citing urgent health concerns that require attention outside the country.
However, the EFCC, represented by Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), opposed the motion. Pinheiro told the court that a counter-affidavit had already been filed in response to the application, arguing that it was procedurally flawed.
He further claimed that a similar request had previously been filed at the FCT High Court, suggesting the current move amounted to an abuse of judicial process.
Responding to the EFCC’s objection, Daudu maintained that it was, in fact, the prosecution abusing court procedures.
He said a further affidavit had been filed overnight to address the EFCC’s counter-claims, accompanied by two exhibits.
Daudu stressed that the application aligns with the conditions of Bello’s bail, which require court permission before any travel.
He also noted that the former governor has not left the country in eight years and now needs to attend to critical health issues during the court’s vacation period.