Court grants Miyetti Allah N2bn bail over alleged $2.63m money laundering

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the National President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Abdullahi Bodejo, bail in the sum of N2 billion over an ongoing trial involving alleged money laundering of $2.63 million.

Justice Inyang Ekwo granted the bail on Monday after ruling on Bodejo’s application for release pending the conclusion of his trial.

The court held that the offences for which the Miyetti Allah leader was charged were bailable and that it had the discretion to admit him to bail under the law.

As part of the bail conditions, Justice Ekwo ordered Bodejo to provide two sureties in the sum of N2 billion each.

The judge directed that one of the sureties must be a resident of Abuja and must provide evidence of three years’ tax clearance.

The second surety, according to the court, must own landed property in Abuja valued at N2 billion, with the documents subject to verification by the court registrar.

Justice Ekwo also ordered Bodejo to surrender his international passport to the court registrar and barred him from travelling outside Nigeria without the permission of the court.

Bodejo’s bail followed his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over allegations bordering on money laundering and terrorism financing involving $2.63 million.

The Miyetti Allah leader was arraigned before Justice Ekwo on a 12 count charge filed by the EFCC, where he pleaded not guilty to the allegations against him.

The EFCC had alleged that Bodejo was involved in financial transactions involving millions of dollars, including alleged acceptance of large cash payments outside the banking system.

Following his arraignment earlier in July, the court had ordered that he remain in EFCC custody pending the determination of his bail application.

During the bail proceedings, the prosecution raised concerns over the possibility of interference with witnesses, citing Bodejo’s influence as the leader of a prominent socio-cultural organisation.

However, the defence counsel, Ahmed Raji, SAN, argued that Bodejo was entitled to bail and that the alleged offences were bailable under Nigerian law.

Bello Bodejo is the national president of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, an organisation that represents the interests of pastoral communities and has remained active in national discussions on agriculture, security and community relations.

The case will continue at the Federal High Court as the prosecution and defence present their arguments before the court.

ADVERTISE WITH US

Do you want to reach your targeted audience and expand your brand’s visibility?

Advertise with Polity Reporters to place your “message” before the right audience.

For advertising enquiries, reach us through:

Email: bandcommunications001@gmail.com

Facebook: Polity Reporters

WhatsApp: 07043810558