Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has rejected an application by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello seeking the release of his international passport to enable him to travel abroad for medical treatment.

While ruling on the application, Justice Nwite stated that although the request did not constitute an abuse of court process—as claimed by the prosecution—the supporting medical report lacked probative value as it was unsigned.

The defence counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, argued that Bello, a known hypertensive patient for over 15 years, required urgent care in the UK. Exhibits A and B were tendered in support of the application, but the court dismissed Exhibit B for not being duly signed by its author.

The court also ruled that the issue of informing sureties was irrelevant, as the application was between Yahaya Bello and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not his guarantors. The judge noted that the prosecution failed to cite any legal provisions requiring sureties to be involved in such motions.

“The defendant has failed to place sufficient material before this court to justify the release of his passport,” Justice Nwite ruled. The case was adjourned to 7th, 10th October and 10th, 11th November 2025 for continuation of trial.