Alleged N110.4bn Fraud: Court to Rule on Bello’s UK Travel Bid July 17

Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has reserved its ruling until July 17, 2025, on an application by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, seeking permission to travel to the United Kingdom for medical treatment.

Justice Marianne Anineh’s decision came after arguments from both the defense and prosecution on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Bello is currently facing a 16-count charge of criminal breach of trust and money laundering totaling N110.4 billion, alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the trio.

Arguments for Travel
Bello’s counsel, J.B. Daudu, SAN, moved a motion seeking temporary release of Bello’s international passport to enable him attend a scheduled medical appointment in the UK, with an undertaking to return the passport to the court upon his return. Daudu argued the application was based on 13 grounds, supported by a 22-paragraph affidavit from Bello himself, and included two medical reports and a UK medical appointment letter.

He emphasized that Bello’s bail conditions did not prohibit foreign travel and that there was no evidence he was a flight risk, citing his consistent court appearances. Daudu also dismissed the prosecution’s objection regarding a similar application in another court, stating a defendant has the right to seek a second medical opinion.

Prosecution’s Opposition
Prosecution counsel, Chukwudi Inibini, SAN, urged the court to reject the application. He argued that the request aimed to alter existing bail conditions requiring Bello to deposit his international passport. Inibini also contended that the sureties should have been notified to confirm their continued willingness to act as sureties if Bello travelled abroad.

The prosecution accused Bello of abusing the court process by filing a similar application in another court. Inibini raised concerns about the authenticity of the medical reports, noting one was signed without disclosing the signatory’s qualifications. He also sarcastically reminded the court that Bello, as governor, had commissioned an “ultra-modern” hospital in Kogi State, touted as the best in Nigeria, questioning why Bello would not use it to end “medical tourism.”

Furthermore, Inibini informed the court that Bello is on INTERPOL’s red list and that some charges against him involve alleged properties in Dubai, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates. He warned that allowing Bello to travel could lead to his arrest and complicate the ongoing trial, stating Bello had not provided sufficient assurance of his return given his past actions.

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Rebuttal and Adjournment
In response, Daudu maintained that the sureties were aware of the application and dismissed concerns about conflicting orders. He also asserted that the court’s grant of bail supersedes any external restrictions, including an INTERPOL red notice.

After hearing all arguments, Justice Anineh adjourned the matter for ruling on Thursday, July 17, 2025.