The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, permission to travel to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to observe the last 10 days of Ramadan for the lesser hajj.
Justice Emeka Nwite approved the application on Thursday after Bello’s counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), moved the motion seeking the temporary release of his international passport for the pilgrimage. The request, filed in January, asked the court to allow Bello travel during the Ramadan period.
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Counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), did not oppose the application.
Addressing the court, Bello said he had not travelled outside Nigeria in the past eight years and would have preferred to spend the entire Ramadan in Mecca but chose to limit his stay in view of his ongoing trial. He stated that he would spend only the last 10 days of Ramadan in the holy land.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite noted the absence of opposition from the prosecution and approved the request, directing that Bello’s stay be limited to 10 days, beginning March 13.
The case was adjourned until January 30 for continuation of trial.