Court Declines Yahaya Bello’s Request for Passport Release Over Jurisdiction Conflict

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has declined an application by Yahaya Bello, former Governor of Kogi State, seeking the release of his international passport.

The court clarified on Thursday that the travel document is currently held by the Federal High Court in Abuja, not the FCT High Court, making it impossible to grant the request.

Bello is currently facing money laundering charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at both the FCT High Court and the Federal High Court. During Thursday’s session, Justice Maryann Anenih said that even if the request were granted:

“The order would be in vain because the passport is not in our custody.”

She emphasized that the court does not issue orders it cannot enforce.

The application to retrieve the passport was based on the ex-governor’s stated need to travel for medical attention. However, Joseph Daudu, SAN, Bello’s counsel, confirmed that the passport had been previously submitted to the Federal High Court as part of his bail conditions.

“The passport cannot be in two courts at the same time,” Justice Anenih observed.

“Courts don’t make orders in vain.”

The EFCC filed a counter-affidavit opposing the motion, arguing that releasing the passport would cause further delays in the ongoing trial.

Following Thursday’s decision, Justice Anenih adjourned the matter to October 8, 9, and November 13, 2025, for further hearing.

Background Timeline

• June 20, 2025: Bello's application for passport release was filed.

• July 8, 2025: The court postponed ruling on the application.

• July 17, 2025: The court declined the application, citing lack of jurisdiction.