The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Thursday, granted an application by former Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi to travel to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for lesser hajj to observe the last 10 days of Ramadan in the Holy Land.
Justice Emeka Nwite granted the application after the ex-governor’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu, SAN, moved the motion to that effect.
Moving the motion, Daudu said the application, which was dated Jan. 19, was filed on Jan. 20.
The senior lawyer said that the motion sought an order directing and permitting a temporary release of Yahaya Bello’s international passports to enable him to travel to Mecca for lesser hajj during this year’s Ramadan, which commences from Feb. 18 and ends March 19.
He added that the application also sought an order granting permission to travel to the Holy Land during the Ramadan period.
Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, who appeared for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), did not oppose the application.
Earlier, when the former governor was asked by the court to clarify how many days he intends to spend abroad, he said that, though he would have loved to spend the full 30 days in the Holy Land, he was mindful of his trial by the EFCC.
Bello said that, although he had not travelled outside Nigeria in the last eight years, he would be spending the last 10 days of Ramadan in Mecca to offer prayers to God.
“As said by my defence counsel, I have not travelled outside this country in the last eight years.
“I would have loved to spend the whole of Ramadan in Mecca and to observe Shittu Shawal immediately after Ramadan, but I do not want to take anyone for granted,” he said.
The ex-governor then confirmed that he would be spending the last 10 days of Ramadan in Mecca.
Justice Nwite, who granted the prayer, observed that the prosecution did not oppose the request.
“I have listened to the submission of the learned counsel to the defendant and also observed that the prosecution is not opposing the application.
“Hence, the defendant shall only spend 10 days in the Holy Land, which shall commence on March 13,” he ruled.
The court also ordered that the trip must be strictly for the pilgrimage and that he must return within the approved timeframe.
The judge then adjourned the matter until Jan. 30 for continuation of the trial.
