“The Nigerian Federal Government has taken action in accordance with a Federal High Court order by filing terrorism charges against Bello Bodejo, the detained President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.
These charges, dated March 12, accuse Bodejo of undermining the national security of Nigeria through the establishment and arming of an ethnic militia group without proper authorization.
Specifically, the charges state that Bodejo established an ethnic militia known as Kungiya Zaman Lafiya without authorization, thereby committing an act prejudicial to national security and public safety.
This offense is punishable under Section 29 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Bodejo was arrested on January 23 at the Miyetti Allah’s office in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State for allegedly unveiling and arming a vigilante group.
The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), filed a motion ex parte on February 5 seeking to remand Bodejo pending the conclusion of the investigation by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and his subsequent arraignment in court.
Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja had previously ordered Bodejo’s remand for 15 days.
Following the expiration of this period, the judge granted the Federal Government seven days to file charges against Bodejo.
However, during Wednesday’s proceedings, the DIA in Abuja declined to produce Bodejo before the Federal High Court for arraignment
. In response to the detainee’s absence in court, Justice Ekwo questioned the government’s counsel about the filed charges. Bodejo’s defense counsel, Mohammed Sheriff, also filed an application seeking his client’s unconditional release from DIA custody.
The prosecution, represented by Y.A. Imana, objected to bail, emphasizing that the charges against Bodejo relate to undermining national security. The court is now considering the bail application while awaiting arraignment before a competent court.”
