The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has opposed an application by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, seeking court permission to travel abroad for medical treatment.

The application was heard before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, during the resumed hearing of Bello’s trial over an alleged ₦80.2 billion money laundering case.

Bello’s lead counsel, J. B. Daudu, SAN, urged the court to consider the defendant’s health needs and grant leave for medical travel. He also requested the release of his client’s travel documents.

However, the prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, stated that a counter-affidavit had been filed, describing the application as “technically incompetent”. He argued that a similar application was previously filed before the FCT High Court, constituting an abuse of court process.

In response, Daudu countered that it was the prosecution that was guilty of such procedural abuse.

“We were served the counter-affidavit yesterday and have since filed a further affidavit in response, including two supporting exhibits,” he said. “My Lord, the substance of our request is for the release of his passport, as stipulated under the bail conditions — which require fresh application if travel becomes necessary.”

Daudu further submitted that his client had not travelled in eight years and now needed to attend to urgent medical issues during the court’s vacation period.

Justice Nwite adjourned the trial to 3 and 4 July for continuation and fixed 21 July to rule on the application seeking leave to travel.