By Danjuma Amodu | January 30, 2026
A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello permission to travel to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 lesser Hajj pilgrimage.
Justice Emeka Nwite approved the temporary release of Bello’s passport, currently held by the court, for 10 days from March 13, 2026.
Bello, facing trial over alleged misappropriation of funds by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), sought the court’s permission to perform the pilgrimage. His counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, emphasized the need for divine intervention regarding the charges.
“The request is to enable the defendan to travel to the Holy Land to observe the lesser Hajj during Ramadan,” Daudu said. “He hasn’t been to hajj in eight years and needs divine intervention.”
The EFCC did not oppose the request but insisted on maintaining trial dates.
“We don’t oppose travel but won’t concede trial dates,” lead prosecutor Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, said.
The court adjourned the matter until January 30 for continuation of the examination of the seventh prosecution witness.
Bello is being prosecuted over alleged money laundering amounting to N80.2 billion, allegations he denied upon arraignment.
