The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has opposed a fresh application by former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, seeking the court’s permission to travel abroad for medical treatment.
The application came up on Friday before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, during the resumed hearing of Bello’s ongoing trial over an alleged ₦80.2 billion money laundering case.
Bello’s lead counsel, J. B. Daudu, SAN, urged the court to grant the application on health grounds, emphasizing the importance of his client’s medical condition. He also requested the retrieval of the defendant’s travel documents, which are currently in the court’s custody, to enable the trip.
However, prosecuting counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, strongly opposed the application, arguing that it was procedurally defective and amounted to an abuse of court process. He informed the court that a similar request had already been filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“The same application is pending before another court. This constitutes an abuse of court process,” Pinheiro said.
In response, Daudu countered the prosecution’s claim, asserting that it was, in fact, the EFCC that was engaging in duplicative litigation tactics.
“We were only served with the counter-affidavit yesterday. We have since responded with a further affidavit and attached two exhibits,” Daudu told the court. He explained that the application for the release of Bello’s passport was in line with the conditions of his bail, which require court approval before any international travel.
He further argued that after eight years without travelling abroad, Bello needed to attend to urgent medical issues during the upcoming judicial vacation.
Following arguments from both parties, Justice Nwite adjourned proceedings. The trial will continue on July 3 and 4, while the ruling on the travel application has been scheduled for July 21.
