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| Bello in court, seeking passport for treatment. |
He faces 19 counts of money laundering and criminal breach of trust. The EFCC says he moved about ₦80.2 billion of state funds into private accounts. Bello denies all allegations .
His lawyer said local hospitals cannot run needed tests. They cited eight years since his last trip abroad. They say his heart needs a full check that only foreign clinics can do .
Prosecutors called the new application a repeat. They pointed to a similar filing in another court. They said Bello is abusing court process. They filed a five-paragraph counter-affidavit to oppose him .
Justice Emeka Nwite set July 21, 2025, to rule on the passport motion. He also fixed July 3 and 4 to hear more witness testimony. This will shape how the trial unfolds .
Bello was arraigned in November 2024 with two aides. They pleaded not guilty. His bail bars him from foreign travel without court leave. He must post two sureties and deposit travel documents .
A key bank officer told the court he saw no pressure from Bello’s team. He traced funds moving through 30 accounts. The judge rejected EFCC’s bid to cross-examine one of its own witnesses on June 26, 2025. The judge said the law does not allow the agency to recall its witness like that .
Experts say courts balance health and trial integrity. A law professor noted courts seldom block urgent medical trips. But they weigh flight risks equally. Another lawyer added strong bail terms often follow approval .
The EFCC claims Bello hid assets in Nigeria and overseas. They list properties, vehicles, and shares. They traced roughly ₦80 billion in alleged illicit gains. They rely on bank records and property deeds .
Bello’s defence argues he never signed key contracts. They say other officials handled those accounts. They pointed to missing medical proof in the prosecution’s papers. They filed extra exhibits overnight to counter the EFCC’s push .
The case tests Nigeria’s stance on graft. Some say high-profile figures should attend court first. Others say health is a basic right. Public views split. Social media shows both support and scepticism.
Many Nigerians share stories of delayed care at home. They feel local facilities lack some equipment. They hope the court will see this need. Critics worry wealthy elites will use health as excuse to flee.
Analysts say the trial could set a legal mark. If Bello travels and returns, courts may loosen bail rules. If his trip is blocked, future defendants may face stricter controls. Judges will watch how conditions are met.
Outside court, civil groups urged strict oversight. They want regular reports on his return date and checks on asset movement. They say transparency builds trust in the justice process.
Few details exist on Bello’s planned clinic. His team gave only a letter from an unnamed foreign doctor. Prosecutors say they cannot verify the doctor’s credentials. They want proof of appointment and travel dates.
Bello’s lawyers promise he will follow all rules. They will post extra collateral if asked. They even offered a daily court update while he is away. They said he has no record of fleeing before .
Health experts say heart checks abroad often include scans and stress tests. Some equipment is rare locally. But top Nigerian teaching hospitals do have many of these machines. It’s unclear why Bello cannot use them.
A former minister of health said routine follow-ups rarely need foreign travel. She urged the court to ask for a full medical report. She said the defence should present clear reasons for each test.
The trial began with a push for quick hearings. Yet delays have piled up. Bello skipped arraignment twice. That slowed early stages. The court warned against more delays.
EFCC lawyers argue delays help the defence. They say each new filing pushes dates further. They asked the judge to limit fresh motions during trial periods.
Bello’s team counters that no one served the papers on time. They blamed court staff for slow filings. They asked the judge to let a rush-filed counter-affidavit stand.
By July 4, up to 30 witnesses may have given evidence. Most are bank staff. Some are real estate agents. They map a web of transactions from 2018 to 2023.
The defence has yet to call its witnesses. Analysts think they will bring staff from the State Treasury. They may argue Bello signed only budgets, not transfers. They might stress official seals and stamps were missing.
Timing of the judge’s July 21 ruling is key. If he says yes, Bello could leave in early August. He must return before a court date in September 2025. If he fails to return, his bail will be revoked and he will be remanded.
If denied, Bello may seek appeal. That would go to the Court of Appeal in Abuja. That court has moved fast in past health-based bail fights. But it also respects trial courts on urgent care.
Bello’s aides say he needs tests for high blood pressure. They point to family history of heart issues. They worry stress from trial could worsen his health.
The EFCC called last week for stronger bail terms if travel is allowed. They want daily check-ins with court officers. They asked for a paid surety in the UK. They also want his return ticket lodged with the court.
Some legal minds think the court may agree but add strict rules. They might demand a bond equal to the trip cost. They might bar him from meeting foreign officials or media.
A parallel case in the FCT High Court had a similar request. That court paused before ruling. It asked for more medical proof. It has not yet decided.
Nigeria has seen past governors travel during trials. Some returned on time. Others delayed and faced fresh charges. High courts now pay close attention to proof and timing.
Civil society groups plan to monitor Bello if he leaves. They will track flight logs and clinic visits. They say this will deter any attempt to dodge trial.
The case has drawn comment from abroad. Some anti-corruption bodies praise Nigeria’s push to hold leaders to account. They watch how health pleas are handled.
Ordinary Nigerians on Twitter share mixed views. Some say no one is above the law. Others feel the rich get unfair treatment when they can pay for foreign care.
For now, all eyes are on Justice Nwite. His July 21 decision will guide how health and justice intersect in high-stakes trials.