Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, has fixed July 17, 2025, for ruling on an application filed by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, seeking the release of his international passport to enable him to travel abroad for medical treatment.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that at the resumed hearing, Bello’s lead counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), told the court that the request was urgent and medically necessary.
He submitted a 20-paragraph further affidavit, personally deposed to by the ex-governor, and attached two exhibits, Certified True Copies (CTCs) of bail rulings from the FCT High Court and the Federal High Court.
EFCC counsel Chukwudi Enebele (SAN) filed a counter-affidavit, opposing the request. The commission argued that Bello’s travel could jeopardize the corruption trial and delay proceedings.
Enebele further insisted that filing similar motions in multiple courts could cause a judicial conflict. He also noted that the sureties must be formally notified and allowed to reconsider their standing.
Daudu countered by affirming that the sureties had been informed.
He also rejected EFCC’s reliance on INTERPOL alerts, calling them “a dead argument.”
Justice Anenih adjourned the matter until July 17, when the court will determine whether Bello should be permitted to travel abroad on health grounds.