On Friday, the Federal High Court in Abuja set July 21 as the hearing date for an appeal filed by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to travel overseas for medical treatment.
Bello, who is facing a 19-count money laundering accusation, asked the court on June 20 to return his international passport, which was taken as part of his bail conditions, so that he may visit a hospital in the United Kingdom (UK).
Addressing the court through his team of attorneys led by former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Prof. Joseph Daudu, SAN, the defendant stated that he was recommended to the overseas hospital by a cardiologist.
The EFCC’s counsel informed the court that Bello claimed to have established ultra-modern hospitals with cutting-edge facilities in Kogi while serving as governor.
“This defendant insisted that the hospitals were built to curb medical tourism,” the prosecution counsel stated, criticizing the medical report for failing to mention the qualifications of the doctor who signed it.
Furthermore, the EFCC informed the court that the defendant is facing significant international allegations and that he could be arrested by Interpol once he leaves Nigeria’s shores.
“This defendant is already on a red notice. The EFCC issued a letter to Interpol while he was playing games with the prosecution, and he was placed on the red list.
“He’s not sure what awaits him there. He can be hushed up in the United States or the UAE. “That is a risk because it will have an impact on this trial,” said the prosecution lawyer.
Aside from noting that those who offered surety for the defendant were not served with the motion, the EFCC claimed that the former governor filed the same application in an Abuja high court, where he is facing another charge.
After hearing both sides, Justice Emeka Nwite delayed the case for a verdict.
Meanwhile, a light drama unfolded in court after the fourth witness, Mr. Mshelia Arhyel Bata, a compliance officer of Zenith Bank, denied being intimidated by security personnel associated with the former governor.
Pinheiro, SAN, informed the court shortly after the case was called up that one of the security guys had approached the witness while demanding an investigation.
“My Lord, the witness informed me that this was not the first time. The prosecution attorney contended that harassing a witness in a criminal case constituted interference.
Responding, Bello’s lawyer, Daudu, SAN, agreed to look into the matter and report back to court.
However, soon before the case was postponed, the witness requested permission from the court to speak.
He told the court that, contrary to the prosecution counsel’s claim, he was not harassed or attacked by any security personnel.
“My Lord, I want it on record that no one harassed or intimidated me. “I only had a minor altercation with someone that had nothing to do with the defendant,” the witness explained.
Answering queries under cross-examination, the PW-4 told the court that Bello’s name was not listed as a beneficiary in any of the withdrawals made from Kogi state accounts.
Justice Nwite delayed the case to July 3 and 4 to continue the witness’s cross-examination.
Bello, who led Kogi state from 2016 to 2024, is facing trial for alleged involvement in a N80.2 billion fraud.
The EFCC accused him of using five proxies to buy 13 high-end properties in Abuja and Dubai.
It informed the court that the properties were bought with the proceeds of crime.
Furthermore, the anti-graft agency claimed that the former governor tried to conceal almost N3 billion by giving it to proxies to keep for him.
It also informed the court that the defendant sent over $700,000 to an account he held with a bank in the United States of America, USA, in violation of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act.
The ex-governor pled not guilty to the charge, and he was released on bail by the court pending the outcome of the claims against him.