The Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated terrorism charges against Bello Bodejo, the detained President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.
The charges, dated March 12, accuse Bodejo of compromising Nigeria's national security by establishing and equipping an ethnic militia group without proper authorization.
The filed charges outline the allegations against Bodejo, stating, "That you, Bello Bodejo, Male, Adult, on or before the 17th Day of January, 2024, at Lafia, Nasarawa State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, 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, an offence punishable under Section 29 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022."
Bodejo's arrest on January 23 at the Miyetti Allah's office in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State stemmed from allegations of forming and arming a vigilante group. Following his detention, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), filed a motion ex parte on February 5, seeking to detain Bodejo pending the conclusion of investigations by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and his subsequent arraignment.
Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted the motion, ordering Bodejo's remand for 15 days. Upon the expiration of this period on February 22, the judge instructed the Federal Government to file charges within seven days.
However, during recent court proceedings, the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) in Abuja failed to produce Bodejo before the Federal High Court for arraignment. In response to this absence, Justice Ekwo inquired about the status of the filed charges.
Despite the government lawyer's assertion that the charges were filed, the judge expressed concern over their absence in court. In light of these developments, Bodejo's counsel, Mohammed Sheriff, disclosed that he had filed an application seeking his client's unconditional release from DIA custody.
As legal proceedings unfold, the case of Bello Bodejo highlights broader concerns regarding national security and the regulation of militia groups within Nigeria. The outcome of this legal saga will undoubtedly have significant implications for governance and security policies in the country.
Be first to comment