Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Maitama, on Thursday clarified that the international passport of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is not in the court’s custody, but with the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Naijaonpoint reports that the clarification came during the resumed hearing of the money laundering case instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Bello.
Responding to an application by Bello’s legal team requesting the release of his passport to travel for medical reasons, Justice Anenih said the court had no power to grant such a request since the document was not in its possession.
“Even if the court were inclined to consider the application, it would be of no effect because the passport is not in our custody but before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court,” she stated.
The EFCC is prosecuting the former Governor in two separate courts, the FCT High Court and the Federal High Court, on allegations of money laundering and corruption during his tenure as governor.
His counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), confirmed that the passport was deposited with the registry of the Federal High Court as part of bail conditions in the other case.
In the application before Justice Anenih, Bello sought temporary release of his travel documents to seek urgent medical treatment abroad. The defence acknowledged that the documents were already lodged with another court, reinforcing the judge’s decision.
Following the ruling, Justice Anenih adjourned the matter to October 8, 9 and November 13, 2025, for continuation of the hearing.
Naijaonpoint reports that the former governor continues to face scrutiny from anti-graft agencies over alleged financial misappropriation while in office.