A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, permission to travel to Saudi Arabia to perform the 2026 lesser Hajj.
Justice Emeka Nwite ordered the temporary release of Bello’s international passport, which is in court custody, to enable him undertake the religious exercise. The passport will be released from March 13, 2026, for 10 days.
Bello is currently standing trial over alleged money laundering involving N80.2 billion in a case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The application, filed on January 20 and supported by a sworn affidavit, sought permission for Bello to travel during the Ramadan period.
His counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), told the court the trip was for religious supplication and noted that Bello had not visited Saudi Arabia in over eight years.
The EFCC, represented by Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), did not oppose the travel request but insisted that the existing trial schedule must not be affected.
The court adjourned the case to January 30 for continuation of the testimony of the seventh prosecution witness.
During proceedings, an Access Bank official told the court about cash inflows from Kogi local government areas into accounts linked to two companies, as well as subsequent cash withdrawals.
