Court Approves Yahaya Bello's Travel Request for Religious Pilgrimage
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello permission to travel to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 lesser Hajj (Umrah), despite his ongoing trial for alleged financial crimes amounting to ₦80.2 billion. Justice Emeka Nwite issued the ruling on Thursday, January 29, 2026, allowing Bello to undertake the religious exercise during the holy month of Ramadan.
Temporary Passport Release for Spiritual Journey
Justice Nwite ordered the temporary release of Bello's international passport, which had been deposited with the court as part of his bail conditions. The passport will be released from March 13, 2026, for a limited period of 10 days, after which it must be returned to the court's custody. "I have listened to the submissions of counsel in this matter and am minded to grant the application," the judge stated during the proceedings.
Bello's lead counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, presented the application dated January 20, supported by a 24-paragraph affidavit deposed by the former governor himself. Daudu explained that his client had not visited the Holy Land in over eight years and sought the court's permission to offer prayers and seek divine intervention regarding the charges against him.
EFCC's Conditional Non-Opposition to Travel Request
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, did not oppose Bello's travel request for religious reasons. However, the prosecution emphasized that all scheduled trial dates must remain unchanged. Pinheiro stressed that the anti-graft agency would not concede any of the trial dates already fixed by the court, ensuring the legal proceedings continue without disruption.
Justice Nwite subsequently adjourned the matter to Friday, January 30, for the continuation of the trial, specifically for the examination of the seventh prosecution witness. The court maintains its commitment to progressing with the case while accommodating the defendant's religious obligations.
Ongoing Trial Details and Witness Testimony
Yahaya Bello is currently standing trial on charges of alleged money laundering and misappropriation of funds amounting to ₦80.2 billion. The former governor has consistently denied all allegations since his arraignment before the Federal High Court.
Earlier in the proceedings, the seventh prosecution witness, Olomotane Egoro, a subpoenaed official of Access Bank, provided testimony regarding alleged cash inflows from several local government areas of Kogi State. Egoro detailed transactions into accounts linked to Fazab Business Enterprise and E-Traders International Ltd, along with multiple cash withdrawals from these accounts. This testimony forms a crucial part of the prosecution's case against the former governor.
Legal and Public Context of the Case
The trial continues to attract significant public interest as it involves substantial allegations against a former state governor. The court's decision to grant travel permission reflects a balance between legal proceedings and religious considerations within Nigeria's judicial system.
This development occurs amid broader discussions about the presumption of innocence in high-profile cases. The EFCC has previously clarified that Bello remains innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law, a principle that continues to guide the legal process while the former governor pursues his political ambitions.
The Federal High Court's ruling demonstrates how Nigerian courts navigate complex legal matters involving religious obligations, ensuring both the defendant's rights and the integrity of ongoing judicial processes are maintained throughout high-stakes financial crime trials.
