Court to rule on Yahaya Bello’s application to travel abroad for medical treatment on July 17

Justice Maryann Anenih of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has set July 17, 2025 as the date to rule on an application by Yahaya Bello, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, seeking to travel abroad for medical treatment.

During the hearing, Bello’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu, SAN, explained that they had filed an application on June 20, 2025, requesting the court to release Bello’s international passport to enable him seek medical attention. The application is supported by a 22-paragraph affidavit sworn by Bello himself.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), prosecuting Bello on money laundering charges, opposed the request in a counter-affidavit, arguing that allowing Bello to travel could delay proceedings.

In reply, Bello’s legal team submitted a further 20-paragraph affidavit with two exhibits:

Exhibit C: Certified True Copy of the High Court’s ruling admitting Bello to bail.

Exhibit D: Ruling of the Federal High Court also admitting him to bail.

Daudu also argued that filing similar applications in both courts was necessary because the EFCC had brought separate charges in different courts. He insisted this was not an abuse of court process.

The EFCC’s counsel, Chukwudi Enebele, SAN, maintained that Bello should have formally notified his sureties about his intention to travel.

The court will deliver its ruling on the application on July 17, 2025.