FG withdraws ‘terrorism’ charge against Miyetti Allah leader

A federal high court in Abuja on Wednesday discharged Bello Bodejo, president of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore group.

Bodejo was acquitted of the alleged terrorism charge filed against him by the federal government.

Inyang Ekwo, the judge, gave the ruling on Wednesday after Aderonke Imana, counsel representing the office of the attorney-general of the federation (AGF), moved an oral application for the withdrawal of the three-count charge.

The lawyer said the application for withdrawal is pursuant to Section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.

She said the request was further predicated on the powers of the AGF under Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“Consequently, the honourable attorney-general of the federation has instructed me to withdraw this charge against the defendant in the interest of justice. That is our humble application, my lord,” she said.

Bodejo’s team of lawyers did not oppose the application.

The senior lawyer thanked the AGF for his “magnanimous gesture”.

“We urge your lordship to discharge the accused person under the sections referred to by the prosecutor,” Ahmad Raji said.

In his ruling, Ekwo said: “The court is hereby moved to consider the application for the discharge of the defendant.

“Consequently, an order is hereby made discharging the defendant. That is the order of this court.”

Bodejo was arrested on January 23 at the Miyetti Allah office in Karu LGA of Nasarawa over the unveiling of a vigilante group in the state.

Bodejo said the “nomad vigilante group” would assist security agencies in combatting crime in the north-central state.

After his arrest and detention, Bodejo was arraigned on a three-count criminal charge over an alleged unlawful establishment of an ethnic militia group.

The accused had filed a bail application on health grounds.

However, Ekwo dismissed Bodejo’s bail plea and fixed Wednesday for commencement of trial.