A federal high court in Abuja has approved former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello’s request to travel to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to observe the last ten days of Ramadan. The court granted the temporary release of Bello’s international passports following a motion filed by his lawyer, Joseph Daudu, SAN, on January 20. Bello explained that he had not traveled abroad in the past eight years and wished to spend the final ten days of Ramadan in Makkah to offer prayers, while remaining mindful of his ongoing trial.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) did not oppose the application. The court ruled that Bello’s trip would commence on March 13. He is currently facing a 19-count charge of alleged money laundering totaling N80.2 billion. The trial has been adjourned to January 30 for continuation.
