The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has opposed an application by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, seeking to travel abroad for medical treatment.
The matter came up on Thursday, June 27, 2025, before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja during Bello's ongoing trial over an alleged ₦80.2 billion money laundering case.
Bello's lawyer, J.B. Daudu, SAN, urged the court to consider his client's health, noting that he had not left Nigeria in over eight years and now requires urgent medical attention.
He said the request was backed by a medical report and a letter from a consultant cardiologist. He also asked for the release of Bello's passport, which was submitted as part of his bail conditions.
Daudu argued that the defendant has no criminal history abroad and promised he would return before the end of August. "My lord can even specify a return date," he told the court.
EFCC's lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, opposed the request, describing it as an abuse of court process. He noted that similar applications had been filed in other courts and accused Bello of forum shopping.
Pinheiro said the application was technically defective because the sureties were not informed or included, raising concerns about their responsibility if Bello fails to return.
He also described the health concerns as minor and treatable in Nigeria. "He says he has low potassium; bananas and pawpaw will handle that," he said.
The prosecution added that Bello is under international watch and risks arrest if he leaves the country. "He could be 'Hushpuppied' from Dubai," Pinheiro warned.
Daudu responded that the red notice had lapsed after Bello's arraignment and insisted the court should use its discretion to allow the trip.
During the session, cross-examination of EFCC's fourth witness, Aryan Mashelia Bata of Zenith Bank, continued. The witness clarified he was not harassed by Bello's aides but had only struggled to find a seat in court.
Justice Nwite adjourned the trial to July 3 and 4, and set July 21, 2025, for ruling on the travel application.
See post:
Comments