A Federal High Court in Abuja has approved the request of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to travel to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 lesser Hajj.
On Thursday, Justice Emeka Nwite ordered the temporary release of Bello’s international passport, which had been held by the court, to allow him to perform the religious pilgrimage.
Bello, who is currently facing trial for alleged misappropriation of funds, requested the court’s permission to visit Saudi Arabia for supplication during the Ramadan period. His trial involves accusations of money laundering amounting to N80.2bn, charges which he denies.
In his application, supported by an affidavit, Bello’s counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, explained that it had been over eight years since Bello last visited the Holy Land. Daudu emphasized the significance of the trip for the former governor to pray for deliverance from the charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Although the lead prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, did not oppose the request, he clarified that the prosecution would not be flexible on the trial dates already set by the court.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite granted the application, allowing the release of Bello’s passport from March 13, 2026, for 10 days. The court then adjourned proceedings to January 30, 2026, for the continuation of the trial.
Earlier, during the trial, the seventh prosecution witness, Olomotane Egoro, a subpoenaed official from Access Bank, testified about cash inflows from local government areas in Kogi State into the accounts of Fazab Business Enterprise and E-Traders International Ltd, along with numerous withdrawals from these accounts.
