Justice Emeka Nwite ruled that the medical report supporting Bello’s application lacked legal value due to the absence of a signature.
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday denied former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello’s request to retrieve his passport for medical treatment abroad, citing an unsigned medical report as grounds for refusal.
Justice Emeka Nwite ruled that the medical report supporting Bello’s application lacked legal value due to the absence of a signature. “Exhibit B is devoid of probative value and cannot be relied upon by the court,” the judge stated.
Bello had claimed a 15-year battle with hypertension and sought to travel to the UK. His counsel, Joseph Daudu, argued sufficient materials were presented.
However, lead prosecutor Kemi Pinheiro opposed, calling the application an abuse of court process.
The judge disagreed with the EFCC’s abuse claim but maintained that Bello failed to justify his request. “The defendant has failed to place sufficient material before this court for his passport to be released,” the court ruled.
The trial was adjourned to October 7, 10 and November 10, 11.