Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, on Thursday, June 27, 2025, asked the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, for permission to travel abroad for medical treatment. Bello, who is currently facing trial over an alleged ₦80.2 billion fraud, presented the application through his counsel, J.B. Daudu, SAN, citing urgent health concerns and backing the request with medical documents and a cardiologist\'s letter.

Daudu argued that Bello hadn’t left Nigeria in over eight years and is not a flight risk. He pleaded with Justice Emeka Nwite to allow the temporary release of the defendant’s passport, which had been held as part of his bail conditions.

However, EFCC’s lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, opposed the application, calling it a “gross abuse of court process” and warning of the risk of escape, referencing similar past attempts and foreign properties linked to the case. He even joked that Bello could be “Hushpuppied” from Dubai, suggesting possible extradition.

Pinheiro further dismissed the medical grounds, saying Bello’s reported health issues like low potassium could be treated with bananas and pawpaw. He added that since Bello had boasted of building a world-class hospital in Kogi, he should use it instead of flying abroad.

Meanwhile, the court also continued cross-examination of a prosecution witness from Zenith Bank, who clarified that he had no issues with Bello’s security team contrary to earlier claims.

Justice Nwite adjourned the trial to July 3 and 4, and reserved ruling on the travel application for July 21, 2025.