The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, has reserved its ruling on an application by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, seeking leave to travel to the United Kingdom for medical treatment.
Presiding judge, Justice Marianne Anineh, announced on Tuesday that the court would deliver its decision on the application on July 17, 2025.
Bello, who served as Kogi State governor from 2016 to 2024, is currently standing trial alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu on a 16-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving a total sum of ₦110.4 billion. The charges were brought against the trio by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
At Tuesday’s proceedings, the defence counsel argued that the former governor requires urgent medical attention abroad, prompting the request for temporary travel clearance. However, the EFCC opposed the application, citing concerns over flight risk and possible interference with the ongoing trial.
Justice Anineh, after listening to arguments from both parties, adjourned ruling on the motion until July 17, while affirming that all legal protocols will be observed to ensure a fair and transparent outcome.
Bello and his co-defendants were first arraigned earlier this year following a protracted investigation by the EFCC into alleged financial misappropriation and laundering of state funds during his tenure.
The case remains one of the most high-profile prosecutions currently being pursued by the anti-graft agency, as part of broader efforts to combat public sector corruption and ensure accountability among former officeholders.