The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted permission to Ali Bello to retrieve his international passport to travel to the UK for medical consultation. The ruling, delivered by Justice Obiora Egwuatu on Monday, allows Bello to retrieve his travel documents from the deputy chief registrar of the court. Bello is required to return the passport by September 15.
Bello, who is facing charges of money laundering alongside Abba Adaudu, Yakubu Siyaka Adabenege, and Iyadi Sadat, requested the court’s permission to travel for a routine cardiologic follow-up. His lawyer, Abubakar Aliyu, SAN, argued that the medical appointment was necessary for reviewing his medication and conducting scheduled cardiac tests.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had opposed the application, arguing that Bello had not provided sufficient medical evidence to support his request and raised concerns about potential interference with evidence. However, Justice Egwuatu noted that Bello had previously adhered to bail conditions and returned his passport as required.
In granting the application, Justice Egwuatu emphasized the importance of ensuring that defendants are in good health to stand trial and referred to legal precedents that support the right of defendants to necessary medical care. The court’s decision was influenced by Bello’s consistent compliance with previous bail conditions and the lack of evidence suggesting any risk of tampering with the case.
