Yahya Bello faces allegations of money laundering to the tune of ₦80.2 billion.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of Nigeria has opposed the bid of the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to travel outside the country for medical treatment. This development is in the context of Bello's ongoing trial, where he faces allegations of money laundering to the tune of ₦80.2 billion.

Bello's legal team, led by Joseph Daudu (SAN), approached the Federal High Court in Abuja with an application for their client to be allowed to seek medical care abroad. They emphasized that Bello had not traveled outside Nigeria in the past eight years and that his current health situation necessitates urgent attention.

Countering this, the EFCC's lead prosecutor, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), argued against the application. Pinheiro pointed out that the medical conditions presented, such as low potassium levels and mild hypertension, are not severe enough to warrant treatment outside the country and can be managed effectively within the Nigerian healthcare system. Additionally, Pinheiro highlighted the presence of a "world-class hospital" in Kogi State, which was established during Bello's tenure as governor, suggesting that he should use the available local medical facilities instead of traveling abroad.

The decision on whether to grant Bello permission to travel for medical treatment now rests with Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, who is presiding over the case. The judge will rule on the application at a later, yet-to-be-determined date. This development underscores the tension between the accused's right to seek medical care and the need to ensure that defendants in high-profile corruption cases do not evade the legal process by traveling overseas.