The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has objected to a request by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to travel overseas for medical treatment.
The case was heard on Thursday, June 27, 2025, before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Abuja, as part of Yahaya Bello’s ongoing trial for alleged involvement in a ₦80.2 billion money laundering scandal.
Bello’s counsel, J.B. Daudu, SAN, appealed to the court to grant his client permission to travel for medical care, stressing that the former governor has not travelled out of Nigeria in over eight years and now urgently needs treatment.
Daudu informed the court that the application was supported by a medical report and a letter from a consultant cardiologist.
He also requested the release of Bello’s passport, which had been submitted in compliance with his bail conditions.He argued that the former governor has no criminal record abroad and assured the court of his return before the end of August. “My lord can even set a specific return date,” he added.
However, EFCC’s lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, strongly opposed the application, calling it an abuse of court process.He pointed out that similar requests had been made in other courts and accused Bello of engaging in 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.
