Court Clears Miyetti Allah President of Terrorism Charges
By On Wednesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja discharged Alhaji Bello Bodejo, President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, from an alleged terrorism charge filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).
Justice Inyang Ekwo granted the discharge following an oral application by the AGF’s counsel, Aderonke Imana, who moved to withdraw the three-count charge. Imana cited Section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, and the AGF’s authority under Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) for the withdrawal.
“The Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation has instructed me to withdraw this charge against the defendant in the interest of justice,” Imana stated.
Bodejo’s defense team, led by Ahmed Raji, SAN, did not oppose the application and expressed gratitude for the AGF’s gesture. “We urge your lordship to discharge the accused person under the sections referred to by the prosecutor,” Raji said.
Justice Ekwo, acknowledging the application and relevant legal provisions, ruled, “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.”
Bodejo had been detained since January 23 in Malia, Nasarawa State, on allegations of raising an armed militia. He was arraigned on March 22 on charges of terrorism but pleaded not guilty. Despite applying for bail on April 3, his request was initially denied. The prosecution’s counter affidavit claimed Bodejo’s involvement in terrorism-related activities, including establishing an ethnic militia, which was disputed by his defense.
Justice Ekwo’s ruling concluded the hearing and brought an end to the legal proceedings against Bodejo.