FCT High Court Declines Yahaya Bello’s Passport Request

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has rejected the request by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, for the release of his international passport, citing lack of jurisdiction over the document.

At the resumed hearing of the money laundering case brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Justice Maryann Anenih ruled that the passport in question was not in the custody of the FCT High Court but with the Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite.

Justice Anenih held that the court could not entertain Bello’s application for the release of a document it does not possess.

“A review of the court’s records showed the applicant was earlier directed to deposit his international passport with the court’s registry. However, after due inquiry, it was confirmed that the said document is currently with the Federal High Court,” the judge stated.

Bello, who is facing similar corruption charges before both the FCT High Court and the Federal High Court in Abuja, had sought the release of his travel documents on health grounds.

His counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), acknowledged that the passport was not in the court’s custody, but pressed for the application nonetheless.

Justice Anenih dismissed the request and adjourned the trial to October 8, 9, and November 13, 2025, for continuation of hearing.