The Federal Government has arraigned the detained President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Bodejo, before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on a three-count charge bordering on terrorism.
Bodejo, who was arrested on January 23 in Malia, Nasarawa State, and kept in the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), was arraigned before Justice Inyang Ekwo on Friday, March 22, 2024.
Bodejo’s arrest was predicated on the alleged raising up of an armed militia to the detriment of the nation’s unity contrary to the Nigerian constitution.
The Federal Government, through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), in a motion ex-parte marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/141/2024, sought an order to remand Bodejo in the NIA custody for 15 days pending the conclusion of investigation and arraignment in court.
The motion dated February 5 was filed by Mohammed Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation in the office of the AGF and Minister of Justice.
However, Justice Ekwo, in a ruling on Friday, said after the matter was adjourned on March 13, the prosecution filed an 11-paragraphed affidavit on March 15, stating that a charge had been filed against Bodejo on March 12 and that the defendant had been served.
The judge said the prosecution, which filed a counter affidavit opposing the bail plea, also averred to produce him in court for arraignment.
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Justice Ekwo said though the matter was reserved for ruling, the application had been overtaken by events by the prosecution having filed a charge against Bodejo.
The judge consequently ordered Bodejo to enter his plea to the charge against him, under the provision of Section 159 (2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.
The Miyetti Allah president, however, pleaded not guilty to the three counts after they were read to him.
Abubakar, who appeared for the prosecution, prayed the court for them to call their witnesses in view of the plea of not guilty.
He told the court that two witnesses had been listed to establish their case against Bodejo, though additional witnesses might be called
But Bodejo’s lawyer argued that the arraignment was defective because the leave of the court was required before the amended charge could be read to his client.
Abubakar, however, applied that Miyetti Allah president continue to be detained in the DIA custody and Justice Ekwo granted the oral application.
The judge, who said at least 10 family members of Bodejo would always be allowed in court, adjourned the matter until May 27, 28, 29, and 30 for trial.
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