The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has strongly opposed a motion filed by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, seeking court approval to travel abroad for medical treatment. The anti-graft agency urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to deny the request, citing concerns over flight risk and the availability of adequate medical facilities within Nigeria.
During Thursday’s proceedings, EFCC lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, argued that the former governor’s health concerns—reportedly related to low potassium levels and hypertension—do not warrant overseas treatment. “He says he has low potassium; bananas and pawpaw will handle that,” Pinheiro remarked, questioning the urgency and severity of the condition.
The EFCC further emphasized that Bello, during his tenure, claimed to have built ultra-modern hospitals in Kogi State to reduce medical tourism. “This defendant insisted that the hospitals were built to curb medical tourism,” Pinheiro stated, urging the court to hold Bello to the same standard.
The Commission also raised procedural objections, noting that Bello’s application failed to notify his sureties, as required by his bail conditions. Additionally, the EFCC warned that the former governor is under an active Interpol red notice and could face arrest abroad, potentially derailing his ongoing ₦80.2 billion money laundering trial.
Bello’s legal team, led by J.B. Daudu, SAN, maintained that the request was based on genuine medical need and supported by a cardiologist’s letter. They argued that the former governor had not left Nigeria in over eight years and pledged to return before the end of August.