Court Grants Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Permission to Attend Lesser Hajj Amidst Corruption Allegations

The former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has been given leave by the Federal High Court in Abuja to embark on a religious pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj in 2026. Justice Emeka Nwite granted the permission following a request from Bello's lead counsel, Joseph Daudu SAN.

Bello is facing charges of misappropriation of funds brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC did not oppose Bello's application to travel for the lesser Hajj during the Ramadan period.

The court ordered the temporary release of Bello's international passport to enable his travel and set a return date for March 13, 2026. During the court proceedings, a witness from Access Bank testified about cash flows in Kogi State's local government accounts, linking them to alleged money laundering activities involving Bello.