Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has been urged to reject a request by former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, seeking permission to travel abroad for medical treatment.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), through its counsel Chukwudi Enebele (SAN), opposed the motion on Tuesday, describing it as an abuse of court process and a potential delay to ongoing trial proceedings.
Bello, through his lawyer Joseph Daudu (SAN), had filed an application requesting the release of his international passport to enable him seek medical attention overseas.
Arguing against the application, Enebele contended that the former governor had also submitted a similar motion before the Federal High Court, which could create a conflict between the two courts.
“If the Federal High Court refuses the application and this court grants it, it would make a mockery of the judicial system,” he said.
The EFCC also argued that Bello’s sureties should have been formally notified of his intention to travel, as they are legally bound to his presence in court.
However, Daudu countered, insisting that the sureties had already been informed and that no formal notification was necessary. On the issue of the INTERPOL red alert, he dismissed the EFCC’s concerns, saying:
“The matter is dead. The applicant voluntarily submitted himself for trial and has never disobeyed any court order.”
He urged the court to grant the application, describing the EFCC’s objections as baseless.
After hearing both sides, Justice Anenih adjourned the matter until July 17, 2025, for a ruling on the travel request.
