The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has declared that it does not have custody of the international passport of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
Justice Maryanne Anenih made the clarification on Thursday while ruling on an application by the former governor, who sought the release of his passport to enable him to travel abroad for medical treatment.
The judge stated that the court could not act on the application because the passport was not in its possession.
She further explained that even if the court were to approve the request, it would be ineffective, as the travel document is being held by the Federal High Court, not the FCT High Court.
Bello is being prosecuted by before the HIgh Court of the FCT by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with Umar Oricha (Director General, Kogi State Government House) and Abdulsalami Hudu on a 16-count charge.
The EFCC is, in the charge, alleging criminal breach of trust to the tune of N110.4billion.
Bello is also being prosecuted by the EFCC before a Federal High Court in Abuja on a separate charge of alleged money laundering.
Bello had submitted the passport as part of the conditions attached to the bail granted him by both courts.
According to judge, 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.
Justice Anenih adjourned further hearing in the case till to October 8.