A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello permission to travel to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to perform the 2026 lesser Hajj pilgrimage, the court confirmed on Thursday. Justice Emeka Nwite approved the temporary release of Bello’s international passport — which had been held by the court as part of his bail conditions — to enable the trip.
Bello, who is currently facing trial on allegations of financial mismanagement and money laundering brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), filed the application through his counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN. Bello told the court he had not travelled outside Nigeria in eight years and intended to spend 10 days in Mecca during the final period of Ramadan.
The EFCC, represented by senior counsel Kemi Pinheiro, did not oppose the request, but emphasised that the ongoing trial schedule should not be disrupted. Justice Nwite ordered that Bello’s trip be limited to the 10-day period beginning March 13 and adjourned the case until January 30 for continuation of proceedings.
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