Terrorism Charge: FG Withdraws Case Against Miyetti Allah’s Leader, Bodejo

The Federal Government has withdrawn the three-count terrorism charge brought against the detained President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Bodejo at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Justice Inyang Ekwo delivered the verdict on Wednesday discharging Bodejo of all terrorism charges preferred against him after the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) said the Federal Government would no longer proceed with the charges but did not disclose reasons for the withdrawal.

Bodejo was arrested at the Miyetti Allah’s office in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State in January 2024 shortly after unveiling a vigilante group with the Federal Government alleging that he established an ethnic militia in the State located in the North-Central geo-political zone.

Additionally, the government accused him of involvement in managing activities connected with acts that were prejudicial to national security and public safety.

According to the initial charge sheet, the government informed the court that Bodejo provided material support, assistance, and transportation for activities connected with acts of terrorism, contrary to Sections 29, 2(3)(g}(xii) and 12(a) and Section 2(3)(g)(xii), and 13 (2)(b) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Though the trial Court endorsed his detention by the State on March 22, the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore president has been in the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) since January 23, 2024.

Based on an affidavit filed by the Federal Government, the court had on May 27 refused to release the defendant on bail, though it ordered an accelerated hearing of the charge against him.

However, when the case was called up yesterday, for the commencement of the hearing, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), applied to withdraw the charge.

A lawyer from the AGF’s office, Mrs. Aderonke Imana, moved an oral application for the withdrawal of the case when she told the Court of their intention to withdraw the three-count terrorism charge against Bodejo, relying on Section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

“The Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation has instructed me to withdraw this charge against the defendant in the interest of justice. That is our humble application, my lord,” she said.

Ahmed Raji (SAN), who led the team of lawyers for the defendant, did not oppose the Federal Government’s decision to terminate further proceedings in the matter, He expressed gratitude to the AGF, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), for his “magnanimous gesture” and urged the court to formally discharge his client.

In a brief ruling, trial Justice Inyang Ekwo discharged the defendant, saying; “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”.