Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has stirred controversy after a video surfaced online showing him energetically working out at a gym, just hours after a Federal High Court in Abuja denied his request to travel abroad for medical treatment.
The video, which appeared on Bello’s official Facebook page on Tuesday, showed the embattled ex-governor lifting weights, performing stretches, and engaging in intense exercise routines, prompting a wave of reactions from the Nigerian public.
This comes barely 24 hours after Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court dismissed Bello’s application to retrieve his international passport to seek medical care in the United Kingdom. The court held that the medical report submitted in support of his request lacked credibility, noting that it was not signed by the doctor who purportedly issued it—rendering the document legally inadmissible.
“The defendant has failed to place sufficient materials before this court to justify the release of his passport. Consequently, this application is hereby refused,” Justice Nwite ruled.
Bello is currently facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations of laundering over ₦80.2 billion allegedly diverted from Kogi State’s coffers. The trial is ongoing at both the Federal High Court in Abuja and the FCT High Court, where the former governor faces separate but related charges amounting to ₦110 billion.
Ironically, just days earlier, Bello had filed a similar application at the FCT High Court, which was also rejected on procedural grounds.
The timing of the viral workout video has raised eyebrows among legal analysts, social media users, and civil society observers. Many have questioned the authenticity of Bello’s health claims and accused him of attempting to mislead the court by exaggerating his medical condition to evade trial.
Public Reactions
The video quickly made rounds across social media platforms, with users expressing outrage, sarcasm, and disbelief:
-
Caleb King Ogabidu wrote, “See! He has recovered. The trial judge was right in her judgment after all. Congratulations.”
-
Collins Abiodun added, “I think say this man say him wan travel outside the country for medicals but he’s here looking very strong and fit to even punch the EFCC officials.”
-
Dele Abdulazeez Okene commented, “Lols. This man gets power pass me wey dey gym daily, yet he wan go do medical abroad?”
-
Abdulmalik Ibn Umar remarked, “No be my former governor wey say he wan go check up be this 🤣🤣🤣.”
However, a few supporters downplayed the significance of the video, insisting that being physically active doesn’t negate the need for medical evaluation.
“Your will forever remain intact as God exists. Continue keeping fit regardless—the evolutionary leader of our state 💪,” said Adavize Aliyu, a loyal supporter.
Legal and Ethical Questions Raised
Legal experts say the video could influence public perception and potentially weaken future requests for medical leave by the defendant. Some observers have urged the court to take judicial notice of the footage as evidence contradicting Bello’s earlier claim of deteriorating health.
So far, Bello has not released an official statement explaining the video or addressing the backlash it has triggered.
The case continues in court, with proceedings adjourned to October 7 and 10, and November 10 and 11, 2025, for the continuation of trial.
