The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has said the International Passport of the ex-governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, was not in its custody, but in the care of the Federal High Court, Abuja.  

At the resumed hearing of the alleged money laundering case instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against him, Justice Maryann Anenih held that the court would have considered the application for release of the defendant’s travel document if it were to be in its custody.  

The judge held yesterday that even if the request to retrieve the document were to be granted, it would be of no effect since the passport was not in the custody of the FCT High Court but with the Federal High Court, before Justice Emeka Nwite.  

The former governor is facing similar charges at both the FCT and the Federal High Courts, Abuja.He had filed an application, requesting the release of his passport to enable him to travel out of the country on health grounds.  

His counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), had submitted that the document was not in the custody of the court.

“A review of the court’s record revealed that the applicant had previously been ordered to deposit his international passport and other travel documents with the registry of the court.

“However, upon further enquiry and search conducted by the court, it was discovered that the said international passport was not presently in the custody of the court’s registry but with the Federal High Court,” the judge held. Justice Anenih, after the ruling, adjourned the case to October 8, 9, and November 13, 2025, for continuation of the hearing.