- Passport Problems: Yahaya Bello wanted his passport to travel for medical reasons.
- Court Confusion: One court says the passport is with ANOTHER court.
- Money Matters: This is all happening amidst a money laundering case.
Court Declines Yahaya Bello’s Passport Request
The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has dropped a bombshell, stating that they don’t have Yahaya Bello’s passport. According to Justice Maryann Anenih, the passport is chilling at the Federal High Court in Abuja. This complicates Bello’s request to travel outside Nigeria.
Why Does Yahaya Bello Want His Passport?
Bello claims he needs to travel abroad for medical treatment. His legal team, led by Joseph Daudu, SAN, argued that the passport should be released to allow him to seek medical attention. However, the court isn’t buying it, especially since they don’t even have the document.
The Legal Tangle: Money Laundering Charges
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed money laundering charges against Bello in both the FCT and Federal High Courts. This passport issue is just one piece of a larger legal puzzle. Bello’s legal team insists that he needs to travel for urgent medical care, but the EFCC fears he might use the opportunity to evade justice.
Court’s Reasoning: ‘Not in Our Custody!’
Justice Anenih made it clear that even if the court wanted to grant the request, it couldn’t. The passport isn’t with them! She emphasized that courts don’t issue orders in vain, and since the Federal High Court has the passport, there’s nothing they can do.
“The simple logic is that the passport cannot be with two different courts at the same time,” Justice Anenih stated. Ouch!
What’s Next?
The case has been adjourned to October 8, 9, and November 13, 2025, for continued hearings. Meanwhile, Bello remains stuck in Nigeria, unable to travel for his alleged medical needs. Will he ever get his passport back? Only time will tell!
Side Note: Who is Yahaya Bello?
Yahaya Bello served as the Governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2024. His tenure was marked by both achievements and controversies. Before becoming governor, he was a civil servant. He handed over the office to Ahmed Usman Ododo.
The Bigger Picture: EFCC’s Fight Against Corruption
This case underscores the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption in Nigeria. The agency has been actively pursuing high-profile individuals suspected of financial crimes. The outcome of Bello’s case could set a precedent for future anti-corruption efforts.
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