Court approves Yahaya Bello’s travel to Mecca for lesser hajj

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday granted former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello permission to travel to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for the lesser hajj, allowing him to observe the last 10 days of Ramadan.

Justice Emeka Nwite approved the application following a motion filed by Bello’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu, SAN. The motion, dated January 19 and filed on January 20, requested the temporary release of Bello’s international passports to enable the pilgrimage.

Bello told the court that although he would have preferred to spend the entire Ramadan in Mecca, he limited his travel to 10 days to remain mindful of his ongoing trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He noted that he had not traveled outside Nigeria in the past eight years.

“I would have loved to spend the whole of Ramadan in Mecca and observe Shittu Shawal immediately after, but I do not want to take anyone for granted,” Bello said, confirming he would spend only the last 10 days of the holy month in the Holy Land.

Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, representing the EFCC, did not oppose the application. Justice Nwite noted the absence of objection and ruled that Bello’s travel would begin on March 13.

The court adjourned the matter until January 30 for the continuation of Bello’s trial.