A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello permission to travel to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for the lesser hajj during the final 10 days of Ramadan.
Justice Emeka Nwite approved the request on Thursday after Bello’s attorney, Joseph Daudu (SAN), presented the application to the court.
Daudu informed the court that the motion, dated January 19 and submitted on January 20, sought the temporary release of Bello’s international passports to allow him to perform the lesser hajj during Ramadan, which runs from February 18 to March 19.
The lawyer clarified that the former governor intended to spend only part of the Ramadan period in the Holy Land.
Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), representing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), stated that the agency did not oppose the request.
When asked by the court about the duration of his stay abroad, Bello indicated he would remain in Mecca for just 10 days, although he expressed a desire to stay longer.
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He mentioned to the court that he had not traveled outside Nigeria in the last eight years and was aware of his ongoing trial.
“I would have preferred to spend the entire Ramadan in Mecca, but I do not want to take anyone for granted,” Bello stated.
Justice Nwite observed that there were no objections from the prosecution and ruled that Bello’s stay in the Holy Land must be limited to 10 days, starting from March 13.
The judge then adjourned the case until January 30 for the continuation of the trial.
