A Federal High Court in Abuja has authorised Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi State, to travel to Saudi Arabia to perform the lesser hajj.
Justice Emeka Nwite granted the request on Thursday after Joseph Daudu, a senior advocate of Nigeria, argued the application on Bello’s behalf. Daudu explained that the motion, filed on January 20, sought the temporary release of the former governor’s international passports to enable him to undertake the religious trip.
According to the defence, Bello plans to spend the final 10 days of Ramadan in Makkah, with the fasting period expected to run from February 18 to March 19.
Kemi Pinheiro, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), told the court that the prosecution had no objection to the request.
Responding to questions from the judge on the duration of the trip, Bello said he would have liked to remain in Makkah throughout Ramadan but decided to limit his stay due to the ongoing trial. He added that he had not travelled abroad in the last eight years and only intended to spend the last 10 days of the holy month in prayer.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite said, “I have listened to the submissions of learned counsel to the defendant and observed that the prosecution is not opposing the application.” He ordered that Bello’s 10-day visit to Makkah should begin on March 13.
The court adjourned the case to January 30 for the continuation of proceedings.
Bello is currently standing trial on a 19-count charge of alleged money laundering involving N80.2 billion.
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