The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja on Thursday clarified that it is not in possession of the international passport of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
The clarification came in response to an application filed by Bello, seeking the temporary release of his passport to travel abroad for medical treatment. His counsel, J.B. Daudu (SAN), argued the request was in line with the court’s earlier ruling in December 2024, which allowed the defendant to file a formal application for travel.
Daudu submitted that the ruling did not prohibit foreign travel nor impose specific conditions. He further cited a Certified True Copy of the court’s bail ruling (Exhibit C) and stressed that Bello had consistently attended court sessions and posed no flight risk.
However, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) opposed the application, filing a 45-paragraph counter-affidavit. The Commission described the request as an abuse of court process, noting that a similar application had already been submitted to the Federal High Court, which has yet to rule on it. The passport sought to be released is not before this court,” the EFCC stated, warning against parallel proceedings that could lead to conflicting rulings.
Presiding judge, Justice Maryanne Anenih, confirmed during the resumed hearing that the FCT High Court could not grant the request since the passport is in the custody of the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Bello is also facing trial before Justice Emeka Nwite over alleged fraud involving N80.2 billion. Courts do not make orders in vain. This court cannot act on a document it does not have, Justice Anenih ruled.
The defendant himself admitted that the passport was deposited with the Federal High Court. It cannot be in the custody of two courts at the same time.
Bello is currently on trial over the alleged misappropriation of N110.4 billion in Kogi State funds during his tenure as governor, and is facing separate but related charges before two different courts.
Following Thursday’s proceedings, the court adjourned the matter to October 8, 9, and November 13, 2025, for continued hearing.
