A federal High Court in Abuja has ordered Bello Bodejo, the leader of the Miyetti Allah group, be remanded in DIA custody pending trial.
Bodejo was arraigned before Justice Inyang Ekwo on Friday, March 22nd, 2024, following his arrest at the Miyetti Allah’s office in Karu local government of Nasarawa state on January 23rd, 2024. He had gone there to unveil a vigilante office when men of the security forces picked him up.
The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), filed a motion on February 5th, seeking an order of the court to remand Bodejo pending the conclusion of the investigation and arraignment in court.
At the expiration of the order, the judge ordered the defense intelligence agency (DIA) to either arraign Bodejo or admit him to bail.
However, the DIA brought Bodejo to the court accusing him, among several things, of setting up the group without proper authorization.
The suit read:
“That you Bello Bodejo A. male, 38 years old of NO 2 Bodejo Street, Tundun Wada, Karu LGA, Nasarawa State, sometime in January 2024 did commit an offence to wit: you managed and participated in activities which, in your knowledge, is connected with act prejudicial to national security and public safety. You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 2(3)(g)(xii) and Section 12(a) of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022.
“That you, Bello Bodejo A. male, 38 years old of NO. 2 Bodejo Street, Tundun Wada, Karu LGA, Nasarawa State, sometime in January 2024 did commit an offence to wit: you provided material assistance logistics and transportation to 1,000 men which in your knowledge is connected with an act prejudicial to national security and public safety. You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 2 (3) (g) (xii) and Section 13 (2) (b) of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022,” the charges read, in part.
Bodejo pleaded not guilty.
The prosecuting counsel, Mohammed Abubakar, informed the court he was ready for trial and had two major witnesses ready to testify and remain open to calling more witnesses, if the need arises, he therefore urged the court to fix a date for the commencement of the trial.
Counsel for the defendant, Mohammed Sheriff, however, objected to the charges, challenging their competence noting that the amendment to the charges against his client was done without the leave of the court.
Ruling on the bail application, Justice Ekwo ordered that the defendant be remanded in the custody of the DIA but granted a prayer by the defence and urging the DIA to give Bodejo access to all necessary medical attention.
The presiding judge said he would allow up to 10 members of the defendant’s family to attend court and witness proceedings any day the case comes up but warned against any form of disturbance in the court premises in form of protest for the defendant, saying “Tell the defendant. Those who are drumming, thinking it is a carnival, they will face the trial”.
The judge then adjourned the matter till May 27 for the commencement of trial.
