The Federal High Court in Abuja has turned down a request by former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, seeking the release of his international passport for him to travel out for medical attention.
Justice Emeka Nwite in a brief ruling refused Bello’s request on the grounds that the medical report attached to the application was not properly signed by its maker.
The trial judge in his ruling, noted that, contrary, to the submission of the prosecution team, the application was not an abuse of court process.
The defendant’s Counsel, Joseph Daudu, had during proceedings, argued that the applicant was a known hypertensive patient for about 15 years and was also said to have presented Exhibits A and B, which constitute expert report on the health status of the applicant, saying that sufficient materials had been placed before the court to exercise its discretion in favour of the applicant.
MUST READ: 80.2 Billion Naira Fraud Allegations: Trial Of Yahaya Bello Continues
Regarding the issue of surety raised by the prosecution, the Court aligned with the defendant’s counsel’s argument, ruling that the surety should not be included in the application.
The court, however, held that Exhibit B, which is the medical report provided by a doctor, was not signed by its maker, and as such, lacks any legal efficacy.
It emphasized that an unsigned document carries no weight in law and is considered worthless.
According to the court, the defendant failed to place sufficient material before it for his passport to be released for him to travel and subsequently , refused the application.
The trial judge then adjourned to October 7 and 10 and November 10 and 11, 2025, for continuation of trial.
(Editor: Okechukwu Eze)
