Court to Rule July 17 on Yahaya Bello’s Application to Travel Abroad for Medical Treatment

Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court has scheduled July 17, 2025, to deliver a ruling on an application filed by the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, seeking permission to travel abroad for medical treatment.

During Tuesday’s hearing in the money laundering case brought against Bello by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), his counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, informed the court of an application dated June 19 and filed on June 20. The application requests the release of Bello’s international passport to allow him to seek medical attention overseas.

Daudu said the request was supported by 13 legal grounds and a 22-paragraph affidavit personally deposed to by Bello. The EFCC, however, opposed the application, filing a counter-affidavit arguing that granting it could disrupt ongoing legal proceedings.

In response, Daudu presented a further 20-paragraph affidavit, filed on July 7, with two supporting exhibits: a certified copy of the court’s earlier ruling granting Bello bail and a similar ruling from the Federal High Court.

Addressing the EFCC’s claim that the application constituted an abuse of court process due to a similar request filed at the Federal High Court, Daudu argued that the duplication was necessary because the EFCC initiated cases in both courts.

“It would be ineffective to file in one court and not the other,” he stated.

EFCC counsel, Chukwudi Enebele, SAN, countered that filing identical applications in separate courts could lead to conflicting decisions, potentially undermining the judiciary.

“If one court approves the request and another rejects it, it brings disrepute to the judicial system,” Enebele said, also stressing that Bello’s sureties should have been formally notified of his intention to travel, allowing them to reassess their commitment.

Daudu dismissed that concern, stating the sureties were already aware. He also rejected the EFCC’s argument concerning potential Interpol involvement, noting that Bello had voluntarily submitted himself for trial and had complied with all court directives.

After hearing both sides, Justice Anenih adjourned the matter until July 17 for a ruling on the application.