Yahaya Bello Granted Passport for Hajj Amidst EFCC Trial
Analysis based on 20 articles · First reported Jan 29, 2026 · Last updated Jan 29, 2026
The market impact is minimal as this is a procedural court ruling regarding a former governor's travel. However, it highlights ongoing legal proceedings against a prominent political figure, which could have indirect implications for governance and anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria.
A Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, granted former Nigeria===Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello permission to travel to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 lesser Hajj. Bello, who is currently standing trial for alleged money laundering and misappropriation of N80.2 billion by the Nigeria===Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), had his international passport temporarily released for a 10-day period starting March 13, 2026. His lead counsel, Joseph Daudu, argued that Bello wished to pray for deliverance from the charges, having not visited the Holy Land in eight years. The EFCC, represented by Kemi Pinheiro, did not oppose the travel but insisted that no trial dates would be rescheduled. The court adjourned proceedings to January 30 for the continuation of the examination of the seventh prosecution witness, Olomotane Egoro of Access Bank, who testified about cash inflows from Nigeria===Kogi State local government areas into accounts linked to Fazab Business Enterprise and E-Traders International Ltd.
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