Bello’s counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), argued that the defendant has been hypertensive for 15 years and required overseas care.
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday denied former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello’s request to retrieve his international passport to travel to the UK for medical treatment.
Justice Emeka Nwite ruled that the medical report submitted in support of the application was unsigned and therefore carried no legal weight. “Exhibit B is devoid of probative value and cannot be relied upon by the court,” the judge said.
Bello’s counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), argued that the defendant has been hypertensive for 15 years and required overseas care.
While the prosecution opposed the request, citing abuse of process and lack of surety notification, the court dismissed those arguments, noting that the case is strictly between the federal government and Bello.
Justice Nwite ruled that Bello failed to provide sufficient grounds to justify the passport release and adjourned the case to October 7 for continuation of trial.
Bello is facing N80.2 billion money laundering charges filed by the EFCC.