The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has strongly objected to a fresh application by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, seeking court permission to travel abroad for medical treatment. The anti-graft agency described the move as a clear abuse of court process and a veiled attempt to evade justice in the ongoing ₦80.2 billion money laundering trial.
EFCC Rejects Bello’s Health-Based Travel Request
At the Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday, June 27, 2025, a dramatic legal exchange unfolded as Bello’s legal team, led by Joseph Daudu, SAN, argued that the former governor needed urgent medical care abroad. Daudu cited hypertension and hypokalemia (low potassium) as medical conditions that allegedly could not be treated within Nigeria.
He referenced Section 173(2)(a) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) to support the application and pointed to an affidavit sworn by Bello himself, which included medical documents and a letter from a consultant cardiologist. However, the prosecution questioned the credibility of the medical report, noting that the author’s identity and qualifications were not clearly stated.
EFCC’s Counter: Yahaya Bello is a Flight Risk
Opposing the motion, EFCC’s lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, argued that Bello’s travel request was another attempt to derail his trial. He stated that Bello had submitted similar applications before other courts, showing a pattern of judicial forum shopping.
Pinheiro emphasized the defendant’s flight risk, warning that the former governor could be subject to international arrest if allowed to leave Nigeria. He drew a parallel with the notorious case of Hushpuppi, noting, “This man is already on red alert. He risks being picked up overseas and extradited. He could be Hushpuppied out of Dubai.”
“Low Potassium? Let Him Eat Banana” – EFCC Lawyer Ridicules Health Claims
Dismissing the health grounds as insufficient, Pinheiro mocked Bello’s ailments, saying they could be treated locally. “If he needs potassium, let him eat banana and pawpaw,” he quipped, adding that the governor commissioned a multi-billion naira hospital during his tenure in Kogi State and should make use of it.
Legal Arguments Intensify
Daudu maintained that Bello has not left Nigeria in over eight years and that the application was merely to retrieve his passport, which had been surrendered as part of his bail terms. “He has no criminal record abroad and will return before the end of August. My Lord can even fix a return date,” he said.
However, Pinheiro pointed out that the sureties backing Bello’s bail were not included in the application, making the motion procedurally flawed. “If he absconds, who takes responsibility?” he asked the court.
Trial Adjourned for Witness Cross-Examination
After hearing both sides, Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the matter to July 3 and 4, 2025, for the continuation of the cross-examination of the EFCC witness.
Key Background: Why Yahaya Bello is on Trial
Alleged Fraud: Yahaya Bello is facing a 19-count charge bordering on money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation totaling ₦80.2 billion.
Use of Proxies: EFCC alleged he used five proxies to acquire 13 luxury properties in Abuja and Dubai using laundered funds.
Illegal Transfers: The agency also claimed Bello transferred over $700,000 to a U.S. bank account and attempted to conceal ₦3 billion by distributing the funds among associates.
International Scope: EFCC maintains the case has transnational elements, with financial links traced to the United States, United Kingdom, and the UAE.
Current Status: Bello has pleaded not guilty and is currently out on court-granted bail, pending the outcome of his trial.
