Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has refused an application by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, seeking the release of his international passport to enable him travel for medical reasons.
The court’s ruling, delivered on Monday, hinged on a critical flaw in the defense’s evidence an unsigned medical report presented to justify the request.
“Exhibit B, the medical report relied upon by the defense, bears no signature of its maker,” Justice Nwite stated, adding that the document held no legal weight and was devoid of probative value.
Although the judge clarified that the application was not an abuse of court process, he nonetheless held that Bello failed to provide sufficient grounds to warrant the temporary release of his passport.
The court also rejected the prosecution’s argument that the application was procedurally flawed. Justice Nwite noted that Bello was entitled to approach the court, especially since an earlier ruling by the FCT High Court had explicitly allowed him to seek the court’s leave for such requests.
On the issue of sureties, the court ruled in favor of the defense, clarifying that the motion was between Yahaya Bello and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and that sureties do not need to be joined as parties or notified before such applications.
Despite these rulings in Bello’s favor, the absence of a valid medical report ultimately doomed the request.
“The defendant has failed to place sufficient material before this court for his passport to be released,” Justice Nwite concluded.
The case has been adjourned to October 7 & 10, and November 10 & 11, 2025, for continuation of trial proceedings.