A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has declined to release the international passport of former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello, ruling that the court does not have the document in its possession.

Justice Maryanne Anenih delivered the ruling on Thursday in response to an application by Bello, who requested the release of his passport to enable him to travel abroad for medical treatment.

The judge explained that although the FCT High Court had initially ordered Bello to deposit his passport as part of his bail conditions, subsequent verification showed that the document is actually held by the Federal High Court, not the FCT High Court.

“Even if I were to grant the request, it would amount to an academic exercise since the passport is not with this court,” Justice Anenih ruled.

Bello is standing trial before the FCT High Court alongside Umar Oricha (Director General, Kogi State Government House) and Abdulsalami Hudu on a 16-count charge of alleged criminal breach of trust involving ₦110.4 billion, filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a separate case, Bello is also facing prosecution at the Federal High Court, Abuja, for alleged money laundering.

Justice Anenih adjourned further proceedings in the FCT matter to October 8, 2025.