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 (Umrah).
Justice Emeka Nwite ordered the temporary release of Bello’s international passport, which had been held by the court, allowing him to undertake the religious trip during Ramadan.
Bello is currently facing trial over alleged ₦80.2 billion money laundering charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He has denied all allegations.
His lead counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), told the court that Bello had not visited the Holy Land in over eight years and sought permission for him to travel for prayers and supplication.
The prosecution, led by Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), did not oppose the request but insisted that the court’s trial dates must remain unchanged.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite approved the release of Bello’s passport from March 13, 2026, for 10 days, and adjourned the case to January 30 for continuation of trial.
The case involves alleged suspicious cash inflows and withdrawals linked to companies reportedly connected to the former governor.
