The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has opposed a fresh application by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello seeking to travel abroad for medical treatment. The motion was presented on Thursday before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, as part of ongoing proceedings in the ₦80.2 billion money laundering case against him.
Bello’s lawyer, J.B. Daudu, SAN, argued that his client’s health condition required urgent foreign medical attention, citing a 22-paragraph affidavit and medical documents signed by a consultant cardiologist. He also reminded the court that Bello had not left Nigeria in over eight years and posed no flight risk. “He is not a criminal in any country, and my lord can fix a strict return date,” Daudu stated while asking the court to temporarily release the defendant’s passport, which was surrendered as part of his bail terms.
But EFCC lead prosecutor Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, objected, describing the request as an abuse of court process. He said the defendant had filed similar applications before different courts and criticized the supporting medical documents, noting that the doctor who signed them failed to state his qualifications. “He says he has low potassium; bananas and pawpaw can handle that,” Pinheiro said. He also reminded the court that Bello is subject to an active red notice and risks being extradited if he travels abroad, referencing the “Hushpuppi” precedent.
Pinheiro further questioned why Bello would not use the “ultra-modern hospital” he commissioned in Kogi during his tenure, arguing that his condition could be managed locally. Justice Nwite adjourned the case to July 3 and 4 for continued hearing and fixed July 21 to rule on the medical travel application. Meanwhile, the day’s session included continued cross-examination of Zenith Bank’s compliance officer, Aryan Mashelia Bata, who clarified he had no issues with Bello’s security team but merely struggled to find seating in court.
Meanwhile, the day’s session included continued cross-examination of Zenith Bank’s compliance officer, Aryan Mashelia Bata, who clarified that he had no issues with Bello’s security team but merely struggled to find seating in the courtroom. “I want it on record that the incident happened while I was trying to get a seat. I later got one, and I have no issue with anyone,” he stated.
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