July 21, (THEWILL) — A Federal High Court in Abuja has once again rejected an application by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, seeking the release of his international passport to enable him travel abroad for medical attention.
This latest ruling comes less than a week after an FCT High Court, presided over by Justice Maryann Anenih, similarly declined a request by Bello to travel overseas for treatment.
Bello is standing trial alongside two others over the alleged misappropriation of ₦110.4 billion in public funds during his tenure as governor. The charges were filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In the fresh application heard by Justice Emeka Nwite, Bello’s counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), argued that the former governor had been hypertensive for over 15 years and submitted medical documents marked Exhibits A and B to support the claim.
However, prosecuting counsel Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) opposed the motion, describing it as an abuse of court process.
In his ruling on Monday, Justice Nwite held that Exhibit B, the medical report submitted by Bello’s doctor, was unsigned and therefore legally invalid.
“Exhibit B is devoid of probative value and cannot be relied upon by the court. The defendant has failed to place sufficient material before this court for his passport to be released,” the judge ruled.
Consequently, the court refused the application and adjourned further proceedings in the fraud case to October 7, 10, and November 10 and 11, 2025.
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