The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja has struck out an application by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, seeking the temporary release of his international passport to enable him travel to the United Kingdom for medical treatment.
Bello, who is currently facing trial alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 16-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving over ₦110 billion.
At the last court sitting, Bello’s counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), had asked the court to allow his client access to his passport so he could attend a scheduled medical appointment in the UK. Daudu assured the court that Bello would return the passport upon his return.
However, EFCC counsel, Chukwudi Enebeli (SAN), opposed the application, arguing that it sought to alter the bail conditions previously imposed by the court, which required Bello to deposit his travel documents. He further insisted that the sureties should have been notified and asked to affirm whether they would still stand as guarantors if Bello was allowed to travel.
In her ruling, Justice Maryanne Anineh held that her court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the application, as the passport in question was not in the custody of her court. A review of court records revealed that the passport had been previously ordered to be deposited at the court registry, but further inquiry showed it was actually being held by the Federal High Court.
Following the ruling, the matter was adjourned to October 8, 9, and November 13 for continuation of trial.
