The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has clarified that the travel passport of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is not in its possession, but rather held by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Justice Maryanne Anenih made the clarification on Thursday during a resumed hearing of the money laundering case filed against Bello by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The court had been asked to release the ex- governor’s passport to enable him to seek medical attention abroad.
Justice Anenih explained that her court could not entertain the request for the release of the travel document since it is not in its custody.
According to her, even if the court were inclined to grant the application, it would be ineffective, as the document in question is currently before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court.
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Bello is facing similar corruption charges in both the FCT High Court and the Federal High Court in Abuja, including allegations of laundering billions of naira during his tenure as governor.
His legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Joseph Daudu, had acknowledged during proceedings that the passport was not with the FCT High Court.
The defendant had previously been ordered to deposit his travel documents with the appropriate registry, which, in this case, he asserts is the Federal High Court.
Justice Anenih subsequently adjourned the matter to October 8, 9, and November 13, 2025, for continuation of the trial.