The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has strongly opposed a motion filed by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, seeking court approval to travel abroad for medical treatment, amidst an ongoing ₦80.2 billion money laundering trial.
The issue was brought before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, June 27, 2025, as part of the high-profile proceedings surrounding Bello’s alleged involvement in large-scale financial misconduct during his tenure as governor.
Bello’s legal representative, J.B. Daudu (SAN), urged the court to grant the former governor permission to travel for urgent medical attention. Daudu emphasized that his client has remained in Nigeria for over eight years and now suffers from health issues requiring specialist treatment not available locally.
The defense presented a supporting medical report alongside a letter from a consultant cardiologist as evidence of the urgency of the situation. Daudu further requested the temporary release of Bello’s international passport, which was submitted as part of the bail conditions set earlier in the trial.
Assuring the court of his client's integrity, Daudu said Bello had no criminal record abroad and would return before the end of August. “My lord can even specify a return date,” he offered, reinforcing Bello’s willingness to comply with all legal expectations.
However, EFCC’s lead prosecutor, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), firmly objected to the application, branding it an abuse of court process. Pinheiro accused Bello of forum shopping by allegedly filing similar motions in multiple courts to find a favorable ruling.
He also pointed out procedural flaws, including the failure to properly notify and involve the sureties who had guaranteed Bello’s bail. Pinheiro questioned how they would be held accountable if the former governor absconds during his trip.
Downplaying the severity of the health claims, the EFCC counsel said the stated ailment—low potassium—could be managed within Nigeria. “He says he has low potassium; bananas and pawpaw will handle that,” Pinheiro remarked sarcastically in court.
In a further argument, Pinheiro warned of the international risks tied to Bello’s travel, stating the defendant remains under global surveillance and could be apprehended abroad. “He could be ‘Hushpuppied’ from Dubai,” Pinheiro said, referencing the high-profile arrest of internet fraudster Ramon Abbas, aka Hushpuppi.
In response, Daudu clarified that any red notice placed on Bello had expired following his formal arraignment and reiterated that the court has full discretion to permit his client’s overseas treatment.
The day’s hearing also featured the ongoing cross-examination of EFCC’s fourth witness, Aryan Mashelia Bata, a representative of Zenith Bank. Bata dispelled rumors of harassment by Bello’s aides, stating that he merely had difficulty locating a seat during the earlier court session.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Nwite adjourned the case to July 3 and 4, 2025, for continuation of the trial. A ruling on Bello’s travel application has been scheduled for July 21, 2025.
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