FCT high court disclaims possession of Yahaya Bello’s passport

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on Thursday clarified that it does not have custody of the international passport of the former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, stating that the document is with the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Justice Maryann Anenih made the clarification during the resumed hearing of the money laundering case brought against Bello by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The judge explained that while the defendant had applied for the release of his international passport to seek medical attention abroad, the FCT High Court was not in a position to consider the request since the travel document was not in its possession.

“Even if this Court were to grant the application, it would be ineffective because the passport is not with us but with the Federal High Court, Abuja, before Justice Emeka Nwite,” Justice Anenih said.

The former governor is currently facing related charges in both the FCT High Court and the Federal High Court.
In his submission, Bello’s counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, acknowledged that the international passport was not held by the FCT High Court.

A review of the court’s records initially indicated that the travel documents had been deposited with the court registry in compliance with a previous order. However, subsequent inquiries confirmed that the documents are instead with the Federal High Court.

Bello’s application, dated June 19 and filed June 20, sought the release of his passport on medical grounds. The request was backed by a 22-paragraph affidavit sworn to by the defendant.

The EFCC, however, opposed the motion, citing concerns that granting the request could impede the ongoing proceedings.

Following the clarification, Justice Anenih adjourned the matter to October 8, 9, and November 13, 2025, for continuation of trial.