Federal government of Nigeria has today, arraigned the detained President, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Bodejo, at a Federal High Court, Abuja on a three-count charge bordering on terrorism.
Bodejo, who was arrested on Jan. 23 in Malia, Nasarawa State and kept in the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), was arraigned before Justice Inyang Ekwo.
Bodejo’s arrest was predicated on the alleged raising up an armed militia in detriment of the nation’s unity contrary to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The FG, through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), in a motion ex-parte marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/141/2024, had sought an order to remand Bodejo, the sole respondent, in the NIA custody for 15 days pending conclusion of investigation and arraignment in court.
The motion was dated and filed Feb. 5 by Mohammed Abubakar, Director, Public Prosecution of the Federation in the office of the AGF and Minister of Justice.
According to the FG, the suspect is being investigated for offences which constitute threat to national security under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022 ).
The judge directed the question to Abubakar, who promised to ensure that Bodejo is giving proper medical care.
Justice Ekwo, however, warned against mobilising people to come around the court on each adjourned date to protest and distort proceedings.
“I don’t want the premises of the court distorted on day of trial.
“Tell the defendant. Those who are drumming, thinking it is a carnival, they will not face the trial,” he warned.
The judge, who said at least 10 family members of Bodejo would always be allowed in court, adjourned the matter until May 27, May 28, May 29 and May 30 for trial.
In count one of the amended charge dated and filed on March 21, Bodejo, 38, was alleged to have commited an offence by establishing an ethnic militia known as “KUNGIYA ZAMAN LAFIYA” in Nasarawa State without authorisation.
The offence is punishable under Section 29 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
(NAN)