ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled the trial of Bello Bodejo, the detained leader of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, to commence on May 29. This decision follows the court’s dismissal of Bodejo’s bail application.
Presiding Judge, Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo, announced the trial date after ruling against the bail application. Bodejo’s absence marked the previous adjourned date when the court intended to rule on his bail and begin his trial.
Bodejo’s legal counsel, Ahmed Raji (SAN), expressed his client’s readiness to face trial, stating that there is no immediate need to appeal the bail ruling given the court’s commitment to an expedited hearing.
Bello Bodejo was apprehended by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) on allegations of forming an ethnic militia group in Nasarawa. The DIA claimed that the group, known as Kungiya Zaman Lafiya, was established to promote terrorism. Bodejo has been detained in DIA’s custody in Abuja since his arraignment in March, facing a three-count charge under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, filed by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF). He has denied all charges.
During the bail application hearing, Raji argued for Bodejo’s release on various grounds, including his client’s ill health and the protection of his fundamental rights. Raji highlighted Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution, which presumes an individual innocent until proven guilty, and asserted that the charges against Bodejo did not substantiate any criminal activity.
Raji emphasized that the establishment of the group was public, with attendance from the Police Commissioner, other security personnel, and Nasarawa State government officials. He described Bodejo as a patriotic citizen conducting his business lawfully. He clarified that the group’s purpose was to provide security services, not to engage in terrorism.
Conversely, the federal government, represented by lawyer Y.A. Imana, urged the court to deny Bodejo’s bail application, citing national security concerns tied to the charges against him.
The case will proceed with Bodejo’s trial on May 29, as ordered by Justice Ekwo, with all parties preparing for the upcoming legal proceedings.