Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has set May 30, 2024, for delivering a verdict on the bail plea filed by Bello Bodejo, the detained President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.
Bodejo, represented by a legal team led by Mr Ahmed Raji (SAN), sought bail pending the determination of terrorism charges levelled against him by the federal government.
The accusations revolve around Bodejo’s purported involvement in the establishment of an ethnic militia group called Kungiya Zaman Lafiya in Nasarawa State.
He has been in detention since January 23 following his arrest at the Miyetti Allah office in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
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In his bail application, Bodejo stressed the presumption of innocence enshrined in the constitution and highlighted his declining health condition.
He assured the court of his commitment to attend trial if granted bail.
However, the federal government, through a counter-affidavit, opposed the bail request, contending that terrorism constitutes a non-bailable offence.
The prosecution argued that Bodejo’s activities posed a significant threat to national security and public safety, citing provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Prosecutor Aderonke Imana urged the court to reject the bail plea, asserting that Bodejo’s medical needs could be adequately addressed at the DIA medical centre in Abuja, emphasizing its proximity to the State House and the availability of medical experts.
Following arguments from both sides, Justice Ekwo adjourned the proceedings until May 30 for a ruling.
