The Federal Government informed a Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday that it no longer wished to pursue the alleged terrorism charge against the President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Kore, Alhaji Bello Bodejo.
Prosecuting lawyer Mrs. Aderonke Imana made this disclosure during the resumed hearing on Wednesday.
In an oral application, Mrs. Imana stated that she was applying pursuant to Section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
She further explained that the request was based on the authority of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) under Section 174 of the Constitution.
Mrs. Imana said, “Consequently, the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation has instructed me to withdraw this charge against the defendant in the interest of justice. That is our humble application, my lord.”
Defence lawyer Ahmed Raji, SAN, did not oppose the prosecution’s application. Raji thanked the AGF for his “magnanimous gesture” and added, “We urge your lordship to discharge the accused person under the sections referred to by the prosecutor.”
In his ruling, Justice Inyang Ekwo ordered the discharge of Bodejo.
Justice Ekwo stated, “The court is hereby moved to consider the application for the discharge of the defendant. Consequently, an order is hereby made discharging the defendant. That is the order of this court.”
