The Federal Government, yesterday, arraigned the detained president of Miyetti-Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Bodejo, at the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, on a three-count charge bordering on terrorism.
Recall that Bodejo, arrested on January 23 in Malia, Nasarawa, and kept in the Defence Intelligence Agency’s (DIA) custody, was arraigned before Justice Inyang Ekwo.
Bodejo’s arrest was predicated on the alleged raising of an armed militia to the detriment of the nation’s unity, contrary to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Government, in a Motion ex-parte marked FHC/ABJ/CS/141/2024, had sought an order to remand Bodejo, the sole respondent, in the NIA custody for 15 days pending the conclusion of the investigation and arraignment in court.
The Motion was filed on February 5 by the Director of Public Prosecution in the office of the AGF, Mohammed Abubakar.
According to the Government, the suspect is being investigated for offences threatening national security under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022). The judge detained ‘Miyetti Allah’ president, following the expiration of the 15-day order.
The accused’s counsel, Mr Sheriff, adopted and argued the motion filed on his client’s behalf on March 13, and the matter was fixed for today’s ruling.
Delivering the ruling yesterday, the judge observed that after the matter was adjourned on March 13, the prosecution filed an 11-paragraphed affidavit on March 15, stating that a charge had been filed against Bodejo on March 12 and that the defendant had been served.
He said the prosecution, which filed a counter affidavit opposing the plea for bail, also averred to produce him in court for arraignment.
However, the detained Miyetti Allah president pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the three counts after they were read to him.
The judge, who said at least 10 family members of Bodejo would always be allowed in court, adjourned the matter until May 27, May 28, May 29 and May 30 for trial.
In count one of the amended charge dated and filed on March 21, Mr Bodejo, 38, was alleged to have committed an offence by establishing an ethnic militia known as ‘Kungiya Zaman Lafiya’, in Nasarawa without authorisation.
The offence is punishable under section 29 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
