The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has opposed the application filed by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, seeking permission to travel abroad, describing it as an abuse of court process.
Prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), argued that although the defendant cited health issues such as hypertension and hypercalcemia (low potassium), he failed to provide any evidence indicating that the conditions are life-threatening.
Pinheiro added that Nigeria has adequately equipped medical facilities capable of managing the ailments mentioned.
The EFCC counsel informed the court that Bello claimed that he built ultra-modern hospitals with state-of-the-art facilities in Kogi while he was governor.
He dismissed the medical report tendered by Bello, saying it did not disclose the qualification of the doctor that signed it.
“This defendant insisted that the hospitals were built to curb medical tourism,” the prosecution counsel added.
The anti-graft agency also informed the court that the defendant was facing serious allegations that have international dimensions, insisting he could be arrested by the Interpol once he leaves the shores of Nigeria.
“This defendant is already on the red notice. The EFCC sent a letter to the Interpol when he was playing games with the prosecution and he was placed on the red list.
“He doesn’t know what is awaiting him there. He can be Hushpuppied to the US or UAE. That is a risk because it will affect this trial,” the prosecution counsel stated.
Noting that those who stood surety for the defendant were not served with the application, EFCC accused the former governor of filing the same application before an Abuja high court, where he is facing another charge.
The presiding judge, Emeka Nwite, after listening to both parties, adjourned the matter for ruling.
