Nigerian Govt Finally Files Terrorism Charges Against Miyetti Alah President, Kautal Hore,Bello
In adherence to the Federal High Court order, the Federal Government of Nigeria has lodged terrorism charges against the detained President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Bodejo.
According to the terrorism charges filed on March 12, Bodejo stands accused of jeopardizing Nigeria's national security by establishing and equipping an ethnic militia group without proper authorization.
A portion of the charges reads as follows:
“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 was apprehended on January 23 at the Miyetti Allah’s office in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State for his alleged involvement in the creation and arming of a vigilante group.
On February 5, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), filed a motion ex parte seeking Bodejo's remand pending the conclusion of investigations by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and his subsequent arraignment in court.
Federal High Court Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo, upon the ex parte application, ordered Bodejo's remand for 15 days. When the 15-day period lapsed on February 22, the judge granted the Federal Government an additional seven days to file charges against Bodejo.
However, during Wednesday’s proceedings, the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) in Abuja declined to present Bodejo before the Federal High Court for arraignment.
In response to Bodejo's absence, Justice Ekwo inquired of the government counsel, Y.A. Imana, about the filing of charges against Bodejo.
Imana stated that the charge had been filed the previous day, but the judge expressed surprise at its absence before him.
Bodejo's counsel, Mohammed Sheriff, informed the Court that he had filed an application seeking his client’s unconditional release from DIA custody and pleaded for the court to hear the bail application.
Imana objected to the bail request, citing national security concerns stemming from the charges against Bodejo.
After considering arguments from both sides, Justice Ekwo scheduled March 22 for a ruling on whether to grant the bail request.
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