The Federal Government has charged a leader of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore group, Bello Bodejo with the unlawful establishment of and ethnic militia group.
In a charge filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja on March 12 the Fed Govt accused Bodejo of establishing an ethnic militia group without authorisation.
A count in the charge reads: “That you, Bello Bodejo, male, adult, on or before the 17th Day of January. 2024, at Lafia, Nassarawa State, committed to commit an offence to wit: You established an ethnic militia known as Kungiya Zaman Lafiya without authorization and thereby committed an act prejudicial to national security and public safety, and on offence punishable under Section of 29 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
Meanwhile, while proceedings were ongoing in the courtroom, some members of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, in their numbers, had stormed the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, to demand Bodejo’s unconditional release.
They held a big banner bearing a large picture of Bodejo and the inscription “Free Bello Bodejo.” Others, mostly women, lined along the road with placards in hand.
Security operatives arrested Bodejo on January 23 at the Miyetti Allah’s office in Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State shortly after he inaugurated a vigilante group.
At the inauguration of the 1,144-man Fulani outfit on January 17, 2024, Bodejo said the move was to tackle banditry, cattle rustling and all forms of insecurity in Nasarawa State.
The office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) subsequently obtained an order from the Federal High Court to remand Bodejo pending the conclusion of investigation and arraignment in court.
Upon an ex-parte motion by the office of the AGF, Justice Inyang Ekwo, on February 5 issued an order permitting the detention of Bodejo for 15 days.
On February 22, after the expiration of the 15 days, Justice Ekwo extended the detention period for seven days.
At the expiration of the seven days, and on realising that the office of the AGF was yet to charge the detainee to court, the judge ordered the production of Bodejo in court.
At the mention of the case on Wednesday, the state failed to produce Bodejo in court, following which Justice Ekwo asked a lawyer from the office of the AGF, Mrs. Yetunde Imana if a charge has been. Filed against the detainee.
Mrs. Imana said a charge was filed the previous day.
The judge however noted that the charge was not on the court’s file.
At that point, Bodejo’s lawyer, Mohammed Sheriff informed the court about a pending bail application he filed for his client.
Sheriff proceeded to move the application and prayed the court to grant bail to his client.
Responding, Mrs. Imana said: “We pray this court to dismiss the application of the defendant, because it is a matter that touches on national security.”
Justice Ekwo has adjourned till March 22 for ruling.