Court Grants Yahaya Bello Permission to Travel for Pilgrimage to Mecca
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday granted permission to the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to travel to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to observe the lesser hajj (Umrah) during the last 10 days of Ramadan.
Justice of the Federal High Court approved the application following a formal request by Bello’s legal team, who urged the court to allow their client fulfil his religious obligation despite the ongoing legal proceedings against him.
In granting the request, the court reportedly took into consideration assurances given by Bello that he would return to Nigeria as scheduled and remain available to face his trial. The judge also noted that the trip was time-bound and strictly for religious purposes.
Yahaya Bello is currently facing charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged financial misconduct during his tenure as governor of Kogi State. The court, however, maintained that granting the travel request did not in any way affect the substance of the case.
As part of the conditions attached to the approval, Bello is expected to return to the country immediately after the pilgrimage and continue to comply with all court directives.
The ruling has generated mixed reactions, with some Nigerians viewing it as respect for religious freedom, while others have raised concerns over accountability in high-profile corruption cases.
The matter has been adjourned to a later date for continuation of proceedings, while Bello prepares for the religious trip to Saudi Arabia.
