COURT DENIES YAHAYA BELLO’S REQUEST TO RELEASE PASSPORT

The Federal High Court in Abuja has refused a request by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to release his international passport to enable him travel abroad. Justice Emeka Nwite held that the medical report attached to the application was not signed by the medical consultant who examined him, rendering the document worthless in law.

“The defendant has failed to place sufficient material before this court for his passport to be released for him to travel. Consequently, this application is hereby refused,” Justice Nwite said. The judge emphasized that an unsigned document carries no weight in law and is devoid of probative value.

This is not the first time Bello’s request has been denied. About five days ago, the FCT High Court refused to grant his request to travel on grounds that he was not in custody of his passport.

The case is in relation to an alleged money laundering case filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The case has been adjourned to October 7 and 10 and November 10 and 11, 2025, for continuation of trial.