Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has clarified that the travel passport of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is not in her court’s custody but remains with the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The judge made the clarification on Thursday during the resumed hearing of the money laundering case brought against Bello by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Anenih stated that the FCT High Court could not entertain Bello’s application for the release of his passport since it does not have the document in its possession. She emphasized that even if the court were inclined to grant the request, it would have no practical effect because the passport is under the custody of Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court.
Bello, who is facing similar charges before both the FCT High Court and the Federal High Court in Abuja, had asked the court to release his passport to allow him to travel abroad for medical treatment.
His counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), had earlier informed the court that the document in question was not in its custody, despite a previous order that directed the former governor to submit his travel documents to the court registry.
In his application, Bello also confirmed that his passport is currently with the Federal High Court, not the FCT High Court.
Following the court’s ruling on the matter, Justice Anenih adjourned the case to October 8, 9, and November 13, 2025, for the continuation of hearing.
What you should know
Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello is currently facing money laundering charges from the EFCC. His request for the release of his passport on medical grounds was declined by Justice Maryanne Anenih, who clarified that the passport is with the Federal High Court, not her court. The case continues later this year.
