Federal Government has leveled charges of terrorism against Bello Bodejo, the president of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, alleging his involvement in the creation of an ethnic militia within the country.
Bodejo has been under the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) since his arrest in January, following accusations of establishing a vigilante group named Kungiya Zaman Lafiya.
The Miyetti Allah leader’s arrest in Nasarawa State came shortly after the organization inaugurated the 1,144-man Fulani outfit, purportedly aimed at combating banditry, cattle rustling, and various forms of insecurity in the region.
Challenging his prolonged detention, Bodejo filed a fundamental rights suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In response, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), filed a motion seeking to remand Bodejo pending the completion of investigations and subsequent arraignment.
Granting the government’s request, Justice Inyang Ekwo permitted Bodejo’s detention for 15 days in the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency, with an order to either file charges or release him.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, Justice Ekwo queried the prosecution’s counsel, Y.A. Imana, about the status of the filed charges against Bodejo.
“The court made an order that you should charge the defendant before a court of competent jurisdiction. Where is the evidence that you filed before this court?” The judge demanded.
In response, the lawyer told the judge, “It was filed yesterday.” The judge, however, said the charge was not before him.
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According to the charge sheet, the Federal Government accused Bodejo of establishing an ethnic militia group without authorisation.
The Federal Government stated that Bodejo’s action was “prejudicial to national security and public safety and punishable under Section 29 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.”
Bodejo’s lawyer, Mohammed Sheriff, pleaded for bail pending his client’s arraignment, while the prosecution counsel opposed the request.
Justice Ekwo adjourned the proceedings until March 22 for a ruling on Bodejo’s bail application.
