Miyetti Allah Leader Regains Freedom After Court Bail

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to the National President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Bodejo, in the sum of N2 billion following his arraignment over alleged money laundering charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

According to Ireporter Online, Justice Inyang Ekwo approved the bail application on Monday, admitting Bodejo to bail with two sureties who must each provide security of the same amount and comply with strict conditions attached to his release.

The court ruled that one of the sureties must be a resident of Abuja and provide evidence of three years’ tax clearance, while the second surety must own landed property within the Federal Capital Territory valued at N2 billion.

Justice Ekwo also ordered Bodejo to submit his international passport to the court registrar and restricted him from travelling outside Nigeria without prior approval from the court.

The judge noted that the offences against the defendant were bailable and exercised the court’s discretion in granting the request.

The case has been adjourned until October 5, 6 and 7 for the commencement of trial.

Bodejo was previously remanded in EFCC custody on July 9 after being arraigned on allegations of money laundering.

The anti-graft agency, through its counsel, Wahab Shittu, SAN, presented Bodejo as the sole defendant in a charge filed in June, containing allegations which he denied after pleading not guilty to all counts.

Following his plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and asked the court to keep the defendant in custody pending further proceedings.

However, Bodejo’s lawyer, Ahmed Raji, SAN, filed a bail application, arguing that the alleged offences were eligible for bail under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

Raji urged the court to consider his client’s circumstances and grant him bail, while the prosecution opposed the application.

After considering arguments from both sides, Justice Ekwo granted the bail request and fixed dates for the commencement of trial.