Abuja, Nigeria – Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, faced strong opposition from Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday, June 27, 2025, as he sought court permission to travel abroad for medical treatment. Mr. Bello is currently on trial for alleged money laundering totaling N80.2 billion (approximately $53 million USD). During proceedings at the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, Mr. Bello’s legal counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, argued that his client’s health was paramount and that urgent medical attention, unavailable in Nigeria, was required. Mr. Daudu informed Justice Emeka Nwite that the application was supported by a 22-paragraph affidavit, a medical report, and a letter from a consultant cardiologist. He stressed that Bello had not traveled outside Nigeria in over eight years and did not pose a flight risk, suggesting a specific return date could be set by the court.
Prosecution Alleges Abuse of Process
However, the prosecuting counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, vehemently objected to the application, labeling it an “abuse of court process.” Pinheiro argued that Bello had previously filed similar applications in different courts, which he deemed improper. Mr. Pinheiro presented five key reasons for the court to deny Bello’s request. He contended that the motion was “technically incompetent” because Bello’s bail sureties were not informed or included in the application, raising concerns about their liability if the former governor failed to return. Highlighting the international nature of money laundering cases, Pinheiro referenced charges related to properties in Dubai and funds in US and UK bank accounts. He warned that Bello was already subject to a “red notice and international alert,” risking arrest and extradition abroad. “He could be ‘Hushpuppied’ from Dubai,” Pinheiro cautioned, alluding to a high-profile cybercrime case. The prosecution also cast doubt on the submitted medical report, noting that the signing doctor failed to indicate their qualifications or specialization.
Pinheiro dismissed the reported health concerns, such as low potassium and mild hypertension, as manageable locally. “He says he has low potassium; bananas and pawpaw will handle that. This is not sufficient reason to fly to the UK,” he stated. He also pointed out the irony of Bello, who during his tenure boasted of building an ultra-modern hospital in Kogi State, now seeking treatment abroad. In response, Mr. Daudu maintained that the sureties’ involvement in the motion was not required and asserted that the EFCC’s previously issued red notice had lapsed following Bello’s arraignment in Nigeria. He urged the court to exercise its discretion in favor of the defendant.
Trial Continues
Earlier in the day, cross-examination continued for Prosecution Witness 4, Aryan Mashelia Bata, a Compliance Officer with Zenith Bank Plc.
The defence questioned his jurisdiction over several bank accounts admitted as exhibits, many of which were outside his direct supervision. The witness also clarified a previous incident, stating on record that he was not harassed by Yahaya Bello’s security team but had difficulty finding a seat in court
.Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the trial to July 3 and 4, 2025, for continuation of proceedings, and set July 21, 2025, for a ruling on Bello’s application to travel abroad.
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