* Remanded in DIA’s custody as trial commences May 27
Alex Enumah in Abuja
The Federal Government on Friday, arraigned the detained President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Mr Bello Bodejo, before a Federal High Court in Abuja.
Bodejo was arraigned on a three-count criminal charge bordering on alleged establishment of an ethnic militia in Tudun Wada, Kau Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge, following which the prosecution lawyer, M. B. Abubakar, prayed the court to order the remand of the defendant in custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
Trial judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a short ruling granted the request and fixed May 27 for commencement of trial.
Justice Ekwo had, on March 13, fixed Friday, March 22, for ruling in the defendant’s motion for bail/unconditional release from custody.
However, Justice Ekwo held that the filing of a charge by the Federal Government against the defendant has overtaken the ruling and subsequently ordered the defendant to take his plea, if he was ready or the matter be adjourned to a later date for him to take his plea.
Bodejo was arrested on January 23 in Malia, Nasarawa State and has been in custody since.
His arrest was predicated on the alleged raising up of an armed militia in detriment of the nation’s unity contrary to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
According to the Federal Government, the suspect is being investigated for offences which constitute threat to national security under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022 ).
Count one of the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/141/2024, read:“That you BELLO BODEJO A male, 38 years old of No 2 Bodejo Street, Tundun Wada, Karu LGA, Nasarawa State, sometime in January 2024 within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did commit an offence to wit: you established an ethnic militia known as KUNGIYA ZAMAN LAFTYA in Nasarawa State without authorization. You thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 29 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
Count 3 read: “That you BELLO BODEJO A male, 38 years old of NO 2 Bodejo Street, Tundun Wada, Karu LGA, Nasarawa State, sometime in January 2024 within the jurisdiction/of this Honourable Court did commit an offence to wit: you managed and participated in activities which in your knowledge is connected with act prejudicial to national security and public safety. You therefore committed an offence contrary to Section 2 (3) (g) (xii) and Section 12(a) of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022.”
Count 3 read: “That you BELLO BODEJO A male, 38 years old of NO 2 Bodejo Street, Tundun Wada, Karu LGA, Nasarawa State, sometime in January 2024 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did commit an offence to wit: you provided material assistance logistics and transportation to one thousand (1,000) men which in your knowledge is connected with an act prejudicial to national security and public safety. You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 2 (3) (g) (xii) and Section 13 (2) (b) of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022.”
