A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday approved a request by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to travel to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to observe the last 10 days of Ramadan.
The approval was granted by Justice Emeka Nwite after Bello’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu (SAN), filed a formal application before the court. Daudu asked the court to temporarily release his client’s international passport so he could perform the lesser hajj, also known as Umrah.
While presenting the application dated January 19 and filed on January 20, Daudu explained that Bello planned to travel between March 13 and March 22. He noted that the trip would fall within the final days of Ramadan, which is expected to run from February 18 to March 19 this year. 
The lawyer also informed the court that the prosecution had no objection to the request. Counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), confirmed that the agency did not oppose the application.
During the proceedings, Bello was asked how long he intended to stay in Saudi Arabia. In response, he told the court that although he wished to remain for the entire Ramadan period, he was conscious of his ongoing trial.
He said, “I have not travelled outside this country in the last eight years.
“I would have loved to spend the whole of Ramadan in Mecca and to observe Shawwal immediately after, but I will not want to take anyone for granted.”
Bello added that he would limit his stay to only the final 10 days of the fasting period.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite said there was no reason to deny the request since the prosecution did not raise any objection. He stated, “I have listened to the submission of the learned counsel to the defendant and also observed that the prosecution is not opposing the application.
“Hence, the defendant shall only spend 10 days in the Holy Land, which shall commence on March 13.”
The judge subsequently adjourned the case until January 30 for the continuation of the trial.
Bello is currently being prosecuted by the EFCC over allegations related to financial mismanagement during his time as governor of Kogi State.
