A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, will on July 17 rule on an application filed by former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello seeking permission to travel abroad for medical treatment.

Justice Maryanne Anenih fixed the date on Tuesday after listening to arguments from Bello’s lawyer and the prosecution.

Bello’s lawyer Joseph Daudu told the court that his client had complied with his bail conditions and needed to travel for medical care.

“The application is for the release of his passport which is with the court,” Daudu said.

He noted that the request was supported by a 22-paragraph affidavit and a medical report indicating a doctor’s appointment abroad. He added that Bello “has never breached any of his bail conditions and has always appeared in court.”

But the prosecution, led by Chukwudi Enyinna, opposed the request.

He argued that the application was an abuse of court process since a similar motion was already before the Federal High Court.

Enyinna also raised doubts about the authenticity of the medical documents, stating that the medical report was signed by a different doctor from the one who issued the appointment, and that the doctor’s qualifications were not included.

He further questioned why Bello could not receive treatment at the Reference Hospital in Okene, Kogi State, which was built during his tenure as governor.

“The defendant should take advantage of the ultra-modern hospital he built for his people while he was in office,” the lawyer said.

The prosecutor also warned that granting the request could jeopardise the trial and reminded the court that Bello had been declared wanted by the EFCC and placed on a watchlist.

Justice Anenih adjourned the matter for ruling on July 17.

Bello is facing a 16-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and money laundering to the tune of N110.4 billion.

He was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside three others: Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman and Abdulsalam Hudu.

In a separate case before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, the former governor is also facing charges involving N80.2 billion and he has filed a similar application for permission to travel for treatment.

The court is expected to rule on that application on July 21.

The EFCC has opposed both requests, expressing concern that Bello may evade trial if allowed to leave the country.

In December 2024, the Maitama High Court granted Bello N500 million bail with conditions including the surrender of his passport and restriction from foreign travel unless permitted by the court.