A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed 29 May for the trial of Bello Bodejo, the detained leader of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, over allegations of unlawfully establishing an ethnic militia group known as ‘Kungiya Zaman Lafiya’.
Justice Inyang Ekwo set the date following the dismissal of the accused's bail application.
Bodejo has since been in DIA custody following his arrest for allegedly unlawfully establishing an ethnic militia group known as ‘Kungiya Zaman Lafiya’.
The case was previously scheduled for a ruling and the commencement of trial, but Bodejo’s absence in court delayed proceedings.
Following the court's decision, Bodejo’s counsel, Ahmed Raji, SAN, stated that his client is prepared for trial. He added that, given the court's order for an expedited hearing, there is currently no need to appeal the bail ruling.
In March, Bodejo was arraigned on a three-count charge filed by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), accusing him of violating the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Bodejo has denied all charges.
Before the court's ruling on the bail application, his lawyer argued for bail on various grounds, including ill health and fundamental rights, but Justice Ekwo dismissed the application.
Citing Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution, Raji emphasised that his client is presumed innocent until proven guilty and asserted that the charges did not disclose any crime against Bodejo.
Contrary to government claims, Raji informed the court that the launch of the group by his client was conducted publicly, with the Police Commissioner, other security agency personnel, and Nasarawa State government officials in attendance.
