From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello permission to travel to Saudi Arabia for the lesser hajj during the final ten days of Ramadan.
Justice Emeka Nwite gave the approval on Thursday, January 29, 2026, following an application for the temporary release of the former governors international passport.
Bellos lead counsel, Joseph Daudu, moved the motion originally filed on January 20, seeking the courts indulgence to allow his client to fulfill his religious obligations.
The legal team noted that the pilgrimage corresponds with the Ramadan period running from February 18 to March 19.
Counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Kemi Pinheiro, did not oppose the travel request but requested that the trial schedule remain unaffected.
During the proceedings, Bello clarified to the court that he intended to spend only the last ten days of the holy month in Mecca.
He stated that he has not traveled outside Nigeria in eight years and expressed his commitment to the ongoing legal process.
Justice Nwite subsequently ordered the release of the passport starting from March 13, on the condition that it be returned to the court registrar immediately upon his return.
Bello is currently facing a 19 count charge related to alleged money laundering totaling 80.2 billion Naira, which he has denied.
Earlier in the day, the court continued the examination of the seventh prosecution witness, a bank official who provided testimony regarding account inflows from Kogi State local government areas.
The judge adjourned the matter until Friday, January 30, 2026, for further continuation of the trial. The court emphasized that any breach of the travel conditions would lead to the revocation of the defendants bail.
