By Muhammad Mamman
A Nigerian court has dashed former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello’s hopes of travelling to the United Kingdom for medical treatment, citing a critical flaw in his application. The ruling, delivered amid a high-profile money laundering case, has intensified scrutiny on Bello’s legal battles and raised questions about the integrity of his defence.
Passport Plea Denied
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja rejected Bello’s request to retrieve his international passport, which he sought to use for a medical trip to address his 15-year struggle with hypertension. The decision hinged on a key piece of evidence—a medical report (Exhibit B)—which the court dismissed as “worthless” because it lacked the doctor’s signature. “An unsigned document carries no weight in law,” Justice Nwite declared, ruling that Bello failed to provide sufficient evidence to justify the release of his passport.
Defence and Prosecution Clash
Bello’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu, argued that the former governor’s health condition warranted the trip, presenting medical reports (Exhibits A and B) to support the claim. However, the prosecution countered that the application was “technically incompetent” and an abuse of court process, alleging Bello’s request mirrored earlier motions. They also argued that Bello’s sureties should have been notified, a point the court dismissed. “The complainant cited no law requiring sureties to be included in such a motion,” Justice Nwite stated, siding with the defence on this issue but rejecting the application on other grounds.
A Complex Legal Battle
Bello, who faces money laundering charges, is currently on trial in both the Federal High Court and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court. Granted bail on 13 December 2024 by the Federal High Court and on 19 December by the FCT High Court, Bello was required to seek court approval for any travel. Justice Nwite noted that both courts hold equal jurisdiction, dismissing claims that Bello’s application abused judicial processes. “The FCT High Court explicitly required the applicant to seek leave, so this motion is valid,” he said.
What’s Next?
The ruling is a significant setback for Bello, whose legal troubles have dominated headlines since leaving office. The court adjourned the case to 7 and 10 October, and 10 and 11 November 2025, for the continuation of the trial, ensuring the spotlight remains on the former governor’s fate.
As Bello’s legal saga unfolds, questions linger about the strength of his defence and the broader implications for Nigeria’s fight against financial crime.
