An FCT High Court in Abuja has fixed July 17 for ruling on an application by former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, seeking the release of his international passport to enable him travel abroad for medical treatment.
Bello, who is currently facing a ₦110.4 billion fraud case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), approached the court insisting that he is not a flight risk and should be allowed to seek urgent medical attention outside the country.
However, the EFCC is strongly opposing the application. In its counterargument, the Commission told the court that there are inconsistencies in Bello’s filings and warned that granting the request could undermine the ongoing trial. The anti-graft agency insists that the former governor poses a potential risk to the integrity of the judicial process and could abscond if allowed to travel.
The EFCC had earlier declared Bello wanted over his repeated failure to appear in court, even after the court issued a bench warrant for his arrest. The matter has since attracted national attention, with legal observers closely watching how the judiciary handles the politically sensitive case.
Justice Nwite, who is presiding over the matter, adjourned proceedings and reserved ruling on the application for July 17.
The outcome of the ruling will determine whether Bello will be temporarily allowed to travel abroad, or if the court will side with the EFCC in restricting his movement due to the gravity of the charges against him.