The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has opposed a motion brought by former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, who is seeking the court’s permission to travel abroad for medical treatment.
The application was heard by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, during a resumed session of Bello’s ongoing trial over alleged money laundering involving ₦80.2 billion. Bello’s legal representative, J. B. Daudu, SAN, emphasized the importance of his client’s health and urged the court to allow him to travel. He also requested the release of Bello’s travel documents as part of the motion.
However, prosecuting counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, contested the application through a counter-affidavit, claiming the motion was procedurally flawed and duplicated, noting that a similar request was already before the FCT High Court. Pinheiro argued that this amounted to an abuse of the court process.
Daudu countered the claim, asserting that it was the prosecution who had misused the judicial process. He informed the court that they had filed a further affidavit overnight, including two exhibits, in response to the prosecution’s counter.
Daudu maintained that the request aligned with the bail conditions, which require court approval before international travel. He also stated that after serving eight years without travelling, Bello needed to address pressing health concerns during the court’s vacation period.
Justice Nwite adjourned the case for continuation of trial on July 3 and 4, while setting July 21 as the date to deliver a ruling on the application for foreign travel.
What you should know
Yahaya Bello, facing an ₦80.2 billion money laundering trial, has asked the court for permission to seek medical treatment abroad. The EFCC has objected, arguing that the request duplicates an existing case. The court will decide on July 21 whether Bello can travel.
