The detained President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Bodejo, was arraigned by before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday.
Bodejo is being prosecuted by the Federal Government on charges, bordering on terrorism, stemming from allegations of raising an armed militia detrimental to national unity, contravening Nigeria’s constitution.
The leader of Miyetti Allah was apprehended on January 23 in Malia, Nasarawa State, and detained by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), faced a three-count charge brought by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).
The AGF sought an order to remand Bodejo in DIA custody for 15 days pending investigation and court arraignment, as detailed in a motion ex-parte marked FHC/ABJ/CS/141/2024.
The suspect’s arrest and subsequent charges were based on investigations into activities posing threats to national security under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022).
Justice Ekwo, having issued a seven-day ultimatum for charges to be filed against Bodejo on February 22, observed that the prosecution had filed an amended charge on March 15.
Consequently, Bodejo pleaded not guilty to the three counts read against him.
The prosecution, represented by Mohammed Abubakar, requested permission to call witnesses to establish their case, to which the defense raised objections concerning procedural defects in the arraignment process.
While the defense raised concerns about Bodejo’s health and access to medical care, the prosecution assured the court of providing necessary medical attention.
Justice Ekwo cautioned against disruptions during proceedings and emphasized the importance of maintaining order within the court premises.
The trial was adjourned to 27, 28, 29, and 30 May with provisions for Bodejo’s family members to attend.
In the amended charge, Bodejo, 38, was accused of establishing an ethnic militia, “KUNGIYA ZAMAN LAFIYA,” in Nasarawa State without authorization, a violation punishable under Section 29 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.