Yahaya Bello’s Passport Not In Our Custody – FCT High Court

An FCT High Court has clarified that the international passport of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello is not in its possession but remains with the Federal High Court.

Justice Maryanne Anenih made the clarification on Thursday during the resumed hearing of a money laundering case brought against Bello by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The judge noted that if the passport had been in the custody of the FCT High Court, it would have considered Bello’s application requesting its release. However, since the passport is held by a different court, the application is deemed ineffective.

Bello, along with Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu, is facing a 16-count charge related to alleged property fraud amounting to ₦110 billion. They were arraigned on November 27, 2024.

Justice Anenih ruled that the application submitted by Bello was misleading, as it falsely implied that the passport was before her court. She explained that the bail conditions required Bello to either submit his passport to the FCT High Court or provide an affidavit if it was held by another court.

According to Bello’s affidavit, the passport is currently with the Deputy Registrar of the Federal High Court, and he would present it once released.

“The international passport cannot be in two places at the same time,” Anenih stated.

“This court is not in a position to assume whether he possesses more than one passport, as no such evidence has been provided.”

She further noted that the court’s own registry confirmed the passport was not in its custody after a search was conducted.

Following the ruling, the case was adjourned until October 8 for continuation of the trial.

Bello had previously filed an application seeking the release of his international passport so he could travel abroad for medical treatment. His counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, reiterated that the passport is not with the FCT High Court.

The application, dated June 19 and filed June 20, 2025, was supported by a 22-paragraph affidavit deposed by Bello himself, citing health reasons for his travel request. However, the EFCC opposed the request, filing a counter-affidavit urging the court not to grant it.

Justice Anenih had earlier reserved ruling on the application for July 17.

Bello is also facing a separate set of charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja.