Federal High Court Grants Yahaya Bello Permission to Travel
Federal High Court Grants Yahaya Bello Permission to Travel
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, permission to travel out of the country for a pilgrimage to Mecca.
The ruling was delivered on Monday following an application filed by Bello’s legal team seeking the court’s approval to allow him undertake the religious trip, despite the ongoing legal proceedings involving him.
Bello, who is currently facing charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), had approached the court requesting a temporary release of his travel restrictions, arguing that the pilgrimage was an important spiritual obligation.
According to his counsel, the former governor assured the court that the trip was strictly for religious purposes and that he would return to Nigeria within the period approved by the court. The defence also emphasized that Bello has continued to cooperate with the judicial process and has not attempted to evade trial.
In its decision, the court considered the application and the submissions of both parties before granting permission. The presiding judge noted that the right to freedom of movement and religious practice remains protected under the law, provided that such privileges do not interfere with the administration of justice.
The court, however, attached conditions to the travel approval, including that Bello must provide details of his travel itinerary and ensure his return on or before the stipulated date.
The EFCC, which is prosecuting the case, had opposed the request, raising concerns about the possibility of the former governor failing to return to face trial. The commission argued that allowing international travel could undermine the case and weaken accountability efforts.
Despite the opposition, the court ruled that there was insufficient evidence to suggest that Bello intended to abscond, especially given his continued appearance in court.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions across the country, with some Nigerians viewing it as a fair balance between individual rights and legal obligations, while others believe public officials facing corruption allegations should not be granted such privileges.
Bello’s case remains ongoing, with further hearings expected to continue after his return from the pilgrimage.
The court reiterated that the permission granted does not affect the substance of the trial, stressing that the former governor must continue to answer to the charges levelled against him.
