Alleged N80.2bn fraud: Court refuses Yahaya Bello’s passport release for medical travel
The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, has denied former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello’s application for the release of his international passport, which he sought to use for medical treatment abroad.
Justice Nwite stated that the medical report submitted by the defendant was unsigned, thereby lacking any legal weight. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) raised concerns that the application constituted an abuse of the court’s process.
Bello’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu, SAN, maintained that the application was supported by sufficient material regarding the defendant’s health status, referencing Exhibits A and B. However, the prosecution contended that the request was technically flawed, as it failed to inform the sureties of the defendant.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite pointed out the significance of the case title: “The matter before this court is Yahaya Bello v. FRN, and not vs. the sureties.” He further emphasized that the prosecution did not provide any legal authority to support their claims regarding the involvement of the sureties.
On the matter of the medical report, the judge remarked, “An unsigned document carries no weight in law and is considered worthless.” He concluded that the defendant did not present adequate material for the court to authorize the release of his passport.
“The defendant has failed to place sufficient material before this court for his passport to be released for him to travel. Consequently, this application is hereby refused,” Justice Nwite affirmed.
The trial has been adjourned to October 7 and 10, and November 10 and 11, 2025, for further proceedings.
Source: LEADERSHIP
