The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has objected to a fresh application by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello seeking permission to travel abroad for medical treatment amid his ongoing ₦80.2 billion money laundering trial.
The application, presented on Thursday, June 27, 2025, before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, was made by Bello’s counsel, J.B. Daudu, SAN. He argued that the former governor, who hasn’t left Nigeria in over eight years, requires urgent medical care abroad. He urged the court to release Bello’s international passport temporarily, adding that Bello poses no flight risk and would return before the end of August.
Daudu supported the motion with a 22-paragraph affidavit and medical documents, including a letter from a cardiologist.
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However, EFCC’s lead prosecutor, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, fiercely opposed the request, calling it an abuse of court process. He noted that similar applications had previously been filed in different courts, causing confusion.
Pinheiro also mocked the health claims, saying: “He says he has low potassium; bananas and pawpaw will handle that. This is not sufficient reason to fly to the UK.”
He pointed out that Bello boasted about building a world-class hospital in Kogi during his time in office. “From Abuja to Lokoja is two hours. I advise him to visit that hospital rather than take a six-hour flight abroad.”
He further warned that Bello remains on international watchlists, with pending investigations linked to properties in Dubai and foreign bank accounts, increasing the risk of him fleeing or being extradited.
Meanwhile, the court continued the cross-examination of Zenith Bank’s compliance officer, Aryan Mashelia Bata, as trial proceedings resumed.
Justice Nwite adjourned the matter to July 3 and 4 for continuation of the trial and July 21 for ruling on the travel application.
