Federal High Court Refuses Yahaya Bello’s Travel Request

The Federal High Court in Abuja, has turned down a request by the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, seeking the release of his international passport. 

Justice Emeka Nwite in a brief ruling refused Bello’s request on grounds that the medical report attached to the application was not properly signed by its maker.

The trial judge, in his ruling, noted that, contrary to the submission of the prosecution team, the application was not an abuse of the court process.

The defendants Counsel Joseph Daudu, had during proceedings, argued that the applicant was a known hypertensive patient for about 15 years and was also said to have presented Exhibits A and B, which constituted expert report on the health status of the applicant, saying that sufficient materials had been placed before the court to exercise its discretion in favour of the applicant.

The judge also recalled that the prosecution team argued that the application was an abuse of the court process.

On the issue of suretyship, brought up by the prosecution, the Court aligned with the argument of the counsel to the defendant, ruling that the surety ought not to be included in the application.

The court, however, held that Exhibit B, which was the medical report provided by a doctor, was not signed by its maker, and as such, lacked any legal efficacy, while emphasizing that an unsigned document carries no weight in law and is considered worthless. 

According to the court, the defendant failed to place sufficient material before it for his passport to be released for him to travel and subsequently , refused Bello’s application. 

The trial Judge then adjourned to October 7 and 10 and November 10 and 11, 2025, for continuation of trial.