The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled a ruling for July 17, 2025, on a travel application submitted by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, who is embroiled in an alleged money laundering case.
The decision was announced by Justice Emeka Nwite on July 8, 2025, following Bello’s request to travel abroad for medical reasons, lodged after his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on June 27, 2025. Bello, who governed Kogi from 2016 to 2023, faces charges related to the mismanagement of state funds, with the EFCC alleging financial impropriety during his tenure.
Bello’s legal team, led by Abdulwahab Mohammed, presented medical documentation to support the application, while the EFCC opposed it, citing Bello’s history of evading arrest in 2024 as a flight risk. The court heard arguments during a session that lasted several hours, with the prosecution referencing ongoing investigations into the case.
Public interest remains high, though no specific protest or opinion data is available as of now. The ruling will determine whether Bello can travel under strict conditions, with the case continuing to draw attention to issues of accountability in Nigerian politics.