The Federal High Court, situated in Abuja, declined the bail plea submitted by the detained President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Bodejo, on Monday.
The leader of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore was apprehended by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for illicitly establishing an ethnic militia group, known as Kungiya Zaman Lafiya, to promote terrorism. He has been in the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) in Abuja.
In March, he was arraigned on a three-count charge filed by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), alleging violations of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. He refuted all charges.
Through his counsel, Dr. Ahmed Raji (SAN), Bodejo implored Justice Inyang Ekwo to grant him bail based on various grounds, including ill health and fundamental rights.
Raji petitioned the court for “an order admitting the defendant to bail on liberal terms pending the hearing and determination of the charges preferred against him.” He based the bail request on Bodejo’s alleged severe ill-health and the bailable nature of the offences.
Citing Section 36 of the Nigerian constitution, Raji argued that his client is presumed innocent until proven guilty, adding that the charges against Bodejo did not establish any crime against him.
In contrast to government contentions, Raji informed the court that the launch of the group by his client took place in a public venue with the presence of the Police Commissioner, personnel from other security agencies, and Nasarawa State government officials.
In ruling on the bail application brought before the court by the leader of Miyetti Allah, Justice Ekwo concurred with the arguments presented by counsel to the Federal Government, Y.A. Imana, stating that the charges against the defendant concern threats to national security.
Imana objected to the bail application for the detained Miyetti Allah, urging the court to deny bail on the basis that the charges levelled against the defendant pose a threat to national security.
Subsequently, the court, following its ruling on the bail application of the Defendant, scheduled May 29 for his trial.
During the previous adjourned session, the case was set for ruling and the commencement of Bodejo’s trial, but his absence in court prevented the trial from proceeding.
