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Tag: Miyetti Allah

  • Miyetti Allah reacts to killing of chairman in Kwara

    Miyetti Allah reacts to killing of chairman in Kwara

    The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has urged security agencies to investigate the killing of Kwara chapter Chairman of the association, Idrissu Abubakar.

    The National President of MACBAN, Alhaji Baba Ngelzarma, made the call in a statement issued by Malam Bello Gotomo, National Secretary of the association, on Sunday in Abuja.

    The Police Command in Kwara has confirmed the killing of Abubakar, Chairman of MACBAN, Kwara chapter.

    The confirmation is contained in a statement by the command’s spokesperson, SP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, on Sunday in Ilorin.

    Abubakar was reportedly shot dead by unidentified gunmen at about 10 p.m. on Saturday in front of his house at Oke Ose, Ilorin East Local Government Area.

    According to Ejire-Adeyemi, police detectives swiftly responded and recovered five expended 7.62mm shells from the scene.

    She added that his remains had been deposited at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) mortuary.

    Reacting to the incident, the President of MACBAN condemned the killing of the association’s youngest state chairman, who was committed to peace and advancement of pastoralist in the country.

    “The Miyetti Allah cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) mourns the killing of the Chairman of the Kwara State Chapter, Idrissu Abubakar by unknown gun men on Saturday night at his house in Ilorin.

    “Idrissu, aged 33, is the second MACBAN Chairman to be killed this year, barely two month after the killing of the newly elected Chairman of Katsina State chapter, Alhaji Sirajo Mairana.

    “The deceased left two wives, six young children and his aged mother,” the president said.

    Ngelzarma described the deceased as a committed member of MACBAN, who was looking forward to the transformation of livestock production system in the country.

    He said that based on the information gathered by the association, the assailants shot Idrissu in front of his house around 10p.m. after driving home from Tarawee prayers (fasting congregation prayer).

    The president condoled with the family of the deceased, Kwara Government and the entire members of the association across the nation.

    “We called on the security agencies to thoroughly investigate this incessant killing of leaders of the association by criminals.

    “In the last two years, MACBAN lost over seven State and Local Government Chairmen to unknown gun men.

    “The National Vice President of MACBAN, Alhaji Manir Lamido had been missing without trace since 2023, while traveling between Katsina and Kaduna States,” he said.

    Ngelzarma assured that the association would do all it takes to unravel those involved “in this dastardly act of cowardice.”

  • Kwara police confirm killing of Miyetti Allah chairman

    Kwara police confirm killing of Miyetti Allah chairman

    The Police Command in Kwara has confirmed the killing of Alh. Idris Abubakar, Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Kwara chapter.

    The confirmation is contained in a statement by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, on Sunday in Ilorin.

    Abubakar, 32, was reportedly shot dead by unidentified gunmen at about 10 p.m. on Saturday in front of his home at Oke Ose, Ilorin East Local Government Area.

    According to Ejire-Adeyemi, police detectives swiftly responded and recovered five expended 7.62mm shells from the scene.

    She added that his remains have been deposited at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) mortuary.

    The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has launched a full investigation into the incident.

    The Commissioner of Police, Kwara, Victor Olaiya, assured that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.

    Olaiya urged the public to remain calm and provide any useful information to aid the investigation

  • Gunmen kill Miyetti Allah Chairman, 2 others in Katsina

    Gunmen kill Miyetti Allah Chairman, 2 others in Katsina

    Gunmen have killed the Katsina State Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeder Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Surajo Leader and two others in Kusada Local Government Area of the state.

    The incident occurred on Saturday night when the gunmen invaded Mai Rana community in Kusada LGA.

    Sources revealed that the gunmen also abducted two of the deceased wives and his daughter who is an undergraduate student.

    The deceased has since been buried in accordance with Islamic rites amidst apprehension in the area.

    The Katsina Police Command spokesperson, ASP Abubakar Aliyu, who confirmed the incident, said that police operatives responded and engaged the gunmen in a shootout.

    He said that the gunmen were forced to flee leaving one of their operational vehicles and one of the abducted wives.

    Aliyu said that efforts were ongoing to rescue the remaining victims, and arrest the gunmen.

    He urged the public to assist the police with any credible information on the whereabouts of the fleeing criminals.

  • Miyetti Allah President, 6 others to remain in detention for 60 days

    Miyetti Allah President, 6 others to remain in detention for 60 days

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an application filed by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) to detain Alhaji Bello Bodejo, President, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, and six others for 60 days pending the conclusion of investigation.

    Justice Emeka Nwite gave the order following an ex-parte motion moved by counsel to the DIA, I.O. Odom, seeking the order to detain the seven respondents for the period in the first instance.

    The DIA, in the motion ex-parte marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1875/V/2024 had sued Bodejo, Suleiman Abba, Umar Jibrin, Umar Bello, Muhammed Ayuba, Jibrin Baba and Saidu Wakili as 1st to 7th respondents respectively.

    The DIA, in the motion dated and filed on Dec. 16 by Mrs N.F. Bala, sought one prayer. That is “an order of this honourable court enabling the applicant to detain the respondents for a period of sixty (60) days in the first instance pending the conclusion of investigation.”

    In the affidavit deposed to by Bonny Ozegbe, an investigating officer with DIA, he said the respondents were arrested by the Nigerian Armed Forces in Nasarawa State and were brought to DIA on Dec. 11 for further investigation regarding the suspected crimes against them and their possible prosecution by the appropriate agency.

    Ozegbe alleged that all the respondents were arrested for the alleged offence of banditry and illegal arms possession.

    According to him, the preliminary investigation report against the respondents reveals that they were involved in an attack against a military formation deployed to Nasarawa State during an attack on farmers and farmlands within the area.

    He said the attack resulted in grievous injuries against personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other civilians as well as carting of arms and ammunition belonging to the military personnel.

    “During the operation that led to the arrest of the respondents, several weapons were recovered from the respondents including Ak47 rifles and ammunitions as well as other dangerous weapons.

    “The preliminary investigation report also revealed that the 2nd to 7th respondents who were involved in the incident carried out the attacks in Nasarawa State on the instructions of the 1st respondent (Bodejo) who is their leader,” he alleged.

    Ozegbe said this was not the first time the Bodejo was being arrested for issues relating to insecurity in the North Central Nigeria.

    He said investigation of the alleged crimes against the respondents is still ongoing, including trailing for the arrest of the fleeing accomplices and accessories, hence their safe keeping.

    “If the respondents are released into society, there is a likelihood that they will continue to commit same, similar or more serious offences,” he said.

    He said if they are released into society, there is a likelihood that they will jump bail and evade trial and that they may also tamper with the ongoing investigation.

    “| strongly believe that the respondents pose a grave threat to national security and the entire Nigerian citizenry at large.

    “A court order is necessary to remand them in Defence Intelligence Agency’s custody pending the conclusion of their investigation and arraignment in court,” he said.

    The official said it would be in the interest of justice to grant a remand order of 60 days in the DIA custody pending the conclusion of their investigation and arraignment in court.

    When the matter was called, Odom said he had an ex-parte motion dated Dec. 16.

    “What is the nature of this matter?” the judge asked.

    Odom said the application sought tye detention of the respondents.

    “Why are you detaining them?” the judge asked.

    The lawyer said it was on allegations of banditry and illegal possession of fire arms.

    The judge asked when were they arrested and Odom said on Dec. 11.

    Justice Nwite said Odom had only presented his own side of the story which the respondents may deny.

    “Why I am asking this is that you have presented your own side of the story,” he said.

    After he was granted the leave to move the motion, the lawyer said the application was filed pursuant to Section  66(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court.

    He said it sought an order detaining the respondents for a 60-day period in the first instance, pending the conclusion of investigation.

    Delivering the ruling, the judge said after listening to Odom, he found that the application was meritorious.

    “The prayer is hereby granted,” he said.

    Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until March 3, 2025 for mention.

    Earlier, an FCT High Court, presided over by Justice Mohammed Zubairu, had on Monday, ordered Bodejo’s release from the detention of tye Driartmemt if State Service (DSS).

    Justice Zubairu, in a ruling, described Bodejo’s detention since Dec. 9 after his arrest and without being charged to court as unlawful.

    Justice Zubairu made the order following an application for the order of habeas corpus subjiciendum moved against the respondents by Bodejo’s lawyer, Reuben Atabo, SAN.

    The judge held that the application was meritorious having not been challenged by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and the DSS DG, who were 1st and 2nd respondents in the fundamental right enforcement suit.

  • Court orders DSS to release Miyetti Allah’s president

    Court orders DSS to release Miyetti Allah’s president

    An Abuja High Court has ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to release the detained President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Alhaji Bello Bodejo, pending his trial.

    Justice Mohammed Zubairu, ordered the Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, and Director-General of the DSS, Mr Adeola Ajayi, to immediately admit him to adminstrative bail.

    Justice Zubairu, a vacation judge, made the order after an ex-parte motion moved by Bodejo’s counsel, Reuben Atabo, SAN.

    Although the motion ex-parte, marked: M/16976/2024, was moved by Atabo on Monday, the certified true copy of the order was made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday.

    Bodejo, in the motion dated and filed on Dec. 19, had prayed the court to order his release from the detention of State Security Service (SSS), also known as DSS, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive application.

    He also sought an order granting him leave to apply for the order of habeas corpus subjiciendum against the respondents.

    Habeas corpus subjiciendum is a Latin phrase and a legal term used to describe a writ that is directed to someone who is detaining another person to inquire into the legality of the detention.

    The Miyetti Allah president sued the AGF and the DG of SSS as 1st and 2nd respondents.

    He sought “an interim order directing the respondents to, forthwith, produce the applicant from detention for him to be released, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive application for habeas corpus subjiciendum.”

    Delivering the ruling, Justice Zubairu acknowledged the statutory powers of the respondents to prevent crime and criminality which include arrest, detention ond prosecution of offenders.

    The judge, however, held that these powers are subject to constitutional limits/restrictions as provided under Section 35 of 1999 Constitution, which stipulates that a suspect can only be detained within 24 or 48 hours.

    According to him, the 24 or 48 hours is sacrosanct.

    The judge said: “Courts must be ready and up and doing to ensure’ the constitutional provisions are adhered to and not violated.

    “In the case at hand, having gone through the deposition of Hauwa Muhammad Bodejo in the supporting affidavit, I am moved to grant leave to the applicant to apply for an Order of Habeas Carpus.

    “Consequently. leave is hereby granted to the applicant to so apply. i so hold.

    “I further order the applicant shall file the substantive application within 24 hours from today for the purpose of determining the merit or other wise of the application.

    “In a society like ours where we operate constitutional democracy, an individual ought not to be detained beyond the constitutionality guaranteed period without an order of the court.

    “From the available facts, the applicant has not been arraigned before any court since 9th of December, 2024.

    “On this ground, I order the respondents to produce the applicant before this court pending the hearing and determination of the application for Habeas Corpus or the respondent should grant the applicant an administrative bail.

    The judge adjourned the matter until Dec. 30 for hearing.

  • Sultan: Miyetti Allah issues strong warning to politicians

    Sultan: Miyetti Allah issues strong warning to politicians

    Nigerian politicians have been advised by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, to stop playing around with sultanate institutions.

    The request was made in a statement on Saturday in Abuja by Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, the National President of MACBAN.

    Othman-Ngelzarma emphasised how important it is to defend and maintain the Sultanate’s institution inside the nation.

    He stated that lawmakers who were meant to be focusing their energies on advancing good administration should not be playing around with the institution of the Sultanate, which has existed for more than 200 years.

    The venerable Sultan, who represents Islamic authority in Nigeria, was allegedly under fear of being dehumanised, a move that Othman-Ngelzarma found unacceptable

    He said, ”We believe protecting and preserving the institution of the Sultanate is a cardinal responsibility of every right thinking personality in the country.

    ”We call upon the Sokoto State Government, especially the legislature, to tread softly and do all that is necessary to preserve and protect the institution that represents an all important ideology that created it.

    ”Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, is worried by the media reports alleging that the Sokoto Government intends to whittle down the powers of his Eminence the Sultan, Alhaji Saad Abubakar III.”

    He said that MACBAN was strongly in support of the Sultan and that they thought he deserved more because he had demonstrated the ability to respect justice and equity in all of his dealings.

    ”This is evident in his efforts in propagating religious and ethnic tolerance in Nigeria among diverse groups.

    ”His background as a military man, his resoluteness to speak the truth and his standing for the poor and underprivileged in spite of being an aristocrat makes him a model for leaders to emulate,” he added.

  • BREAKING: FG clears Miyetti Allah’s President of terrorism

    BREAKING: FG clears Miyetti Allah’s President of terrorism

    The Federal Government of Nigeria has withdrawn the terrorism charge filed against President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Kore, Alhaji Bello Bodejo.

    A Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, subsequently discharged Alhaji Bodejo of the alleged terrorism charge filed against him by the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

    Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a short ruling, discharged Bodejo after counsel for the AGF, Aderonke Imana, moved an oral application for the withdrawal of the three-count charge.

    Upon resumed hearing, Imana informed the court that she had an oral application.

    The lawyer said the application was pursuant to Section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

    She said the request was further predicated on the power 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, including Johnson Usman, SAN, but led by Ahmed Raji, SAN, did not oppose the application.

    The senior lawyer thanked the AGF, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, for his “magnanimous gesture.”

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

    Ruling, Justice Ekwo said though the matter was slated for commencement of trial, however, the prosecution applied to withdraw the charge citing relevant sections of the law

    “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,” the judge declared.

    Bodejo was arrested on the alleged raising up of an armed militia in detriment of the nation’s unity.

    The Miyetti Allah leader, who was arrested on Jan. 23 in Malia, Nasarawa State and kept in the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), was arraigned on March 22 in a charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/141/2024.

    Although he was arraigned on three-count charge bordering on terrorism, he pleaded not guilty, and the court ordered his remand in the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA)’s facility pending the hearing and determination of the case.

    Bodejo had, on April 3, applied for bail through his lawyer, Raji.

    The detained leader of Miyetti Allah told the court that he had no criminal record.

    Giving nine grounds why he should be granted bail, Bodejo said the offences with which he was charged were bailable ones.

    According to him, his reputation attests not only to his reliability and credibility and also to the fact that he will not jump bail if this application Is granted.

    He argued that by Section 36 (5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

    While moving the bail application on April 30, Raji argued that the counter affidavit filed by the Federal Government did not discharge the burden placed on it.

    He said this was so because the counter had not disclosed “any reason why the applicant should not be admitted to bail.”

    Besides, he said the prosecution, in their response, did not say Bodejo committed an act of terrorism, rather, he was said to have formed a group.

    He said the name of the group, formed by the defendant, is interpreted in English as “Association for Peaceful Co-existence.”

    According to the lawyer, everything he (Bodejo) did was done in public; the commissioner of police was there at the launch of the group; the governor’s representative was there, etc.

    Raji said the aim of establishing the vigilante company was to render security services to the members of the society and promote peace but not to commit any act of terrorism.

    Responding, Imana disagreed with Raji.

    The government lawyer prayed the court to refuse the bail plea in its entirety because it had no merit.

    In the counter affidavit, the lawyer said Bodejo was standing trial for terrorism-related offences bothering on establishment of an ethnic militia in Nasarawa State, management and participation in activities connected with acts prejudicial to national security and public safety.

    Justice Ekwo, on Monday, dismissed Bodejo’s bail plea and fixed today for trial commencement.

  • Miyetti Allah president, Bodejo yet to make valid statement in custody, lawyer clarifies

    Miyetti Allah president, Bodejo yet to make valid statement in custody, lawyer clarifies

    Mohammed Sheriff, counsel for the detained President, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Bodejo, on Monday, said his client was yet to make valid statement in the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA)’s custody.

    Sheriff, who is one of the team of lawyers representing Bodejo before Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court, Abuja, stated this in reaction to a newspaper publication linking Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State with his current travail.

    The lawyer gave the clarification in a press release he signed and made available to newsmen in Abuja.

    It would be recalled that, in the media report titled: “How Nasarawa gov pressurised me to establish militia group, Miyetti Allah leader tells investigators” and published on Sunday, Bodejo was alleged to have accused Gov. Sule.of being behind the establishment of the ethnic militia group, Kungiya Zaman Lafiya.

    Bodejo, who is facing a three-count terrorism charge, was reported to have alleged in his confessional statement that the governor pressurised him to form the militia group.

    But reacting, Sheriff said their attention had been drawn to the publication “which unfortunately has been lifted and reproduced by many online media.

    “We hereby make this rebuttal to the statement regarding the alleged creation of ethnic militia by Bello Badejo being circulated by some sections of the media.

    “The publication purports to be quoting our client Abdullahi Bello Bodejo in a supposed extra-judicial statement to investigators.

    “We refute such publication as unreliable and such should be discountenanced by all.”

    According to him, we have been in constant touch with Abdullahi Bello Bodejo who is in the custody of Defence Intelligence Agency and can confirm that he was yet to make any valid statement to the Defence Intelligence Agency.

    “We are therefore shocked as to the source of the purported statement credited to him.

    “We urge a fair and unbiased approach to this matter, where all relevant facts are carefully examined, and legal procedures are followed diligently.

    “We trust that all concerned will uphold the principles of justice and act in accordance with the law.

    “We hasten to call on members of the public to disregard statements that do not emanate from fair and accurate report of judicial proceedings in public interest.

    “The matter is sub judice, It’s important to avoid making comments that could potentially influence ongoing legal proceedings or misrepresent the facts,” he concluded.

    Bodejo, who was arrested on Jan. 23 in Malia, Nasarawa State and kept in the custody of DIA, was arraigned before Justice Ekwo on March 22.

    His 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 offence was said to be punishable under Section 29 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

    He, however, pleaded not guilty to all the counts and the matter fixed for May 27, May 28, May 29 and May 30 for trial.

  • I’ve no criminal record, detained Miyetti Allah president tells court

    I’ve no criminal record, detained Miyetti Allah president tells court

    The detained President, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Bodejo, has told a Federal High Court, Abuja that he had no criminal record.

    Bodejo, who was arrested on the alleged raising up an armed militia in detriment of the nation’s unity, told Justice Inyang Ekwo in a motion for bail filed by his lawyer, Ahmed Raji, SAN.

    In the motion with charge number: FHC/ABJ/CR/141/2024 date and filed March 28, he sought an order admitting him to bail on liberal terms pending the hearing and determination of the case against him.

    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 Ekwo on March 22.

    He was arraigned on three-count charge bordering on terrorism.

    Giving nine grounds why he should be granted bail, the detained Miyetti Allah president said the offences with which he was charged were bailable ones.

    “The defendant/applicant has no criminal record whatsoever,” he said.

    According to him, his reputation attest not only to his reliability and credibility and also to the fact that he will not jump bail if this application Is granted.

    He said he had “suffered from grave ill-health; an exceptional circumstance for the grant of bail.”

    Bodejo argued that by Section 36 (5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

    Besides, he said the charge preferred against him did not disclose a prima facie case against him.

    He told the court that he would not interfere with the investigation or further investigation of the allegation(s) against him.

    The defendant, who pledged to always be punctual in attending his trial, said he was ready to provide responsible sureties as may be required by the court.

    But in a counter affidavit deposed to by Noma Wando, a litigation clerk in the Department of Public Prosecutions, Federal Ministry of Justice, he urged the court to dismiss Bodejo’s bail plea.

    He said Bodejo was standing trial for terrorism-related offences bothering on establishment of an ethnic militia in Nasarawa State, management and participation in activities connected with acts prejudicial to national security and public safety.

    The official alleged that Bodejo also provided material support, assistance and transportation for activities connected with such acts contrary to Sections 29, 2(3)(g}(xii) and 12(a) and Section 2(3)(g)(xii), and 13 (2)(b) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

    He said after his arraignment, the court ordered that he should be remanded in DIA, ordered an accelerated hearing and fixed trial for May 27 to May 30.

    Wando disagreed that Bodejo was suffering from any life-threatening health condition that cannot be managed at the DIA Medical Centre, Abuja.

    He said that as a matter of fact the DIA is a next door neighbour to State House Medical Centre, Abuja “which boasts of the best of doctors and specialists and consultants.”

    He said it can also cater for Bodejo’s medical need if need be, “despite the fact that he is not suffering from any life-threatening health condition that cannot be managed” at the DIA Medical Centre.

    He said contrary to Bodejo’s averments, he was diagnosed with only high blood pressure which had since been managed effectively and efficiently by the centre.

    Abubakar averred that the detained Miyetti Allah president would not suffer any injustice if the bail was not granted.

    He said this was so because “the Federal Government’s holding centres and custodial centres have always ensured that the medical needs of persons in custody are met and they have always undertaken to ensure that whenever the occasion arises special medical treatment is available to their inmates.”

    Upon resumed hearing on Wednesday, counsel, who appeared for Bodejo, Dr Sulaiman Usman, SAN, told the court that they had a bail application which was slated for hearing.

    Usman, however, said that they were not ready to proceed with the motion due to the fact that the prosecution had just served on them their counter affidavit the previous day.

    The senior lawyer said they would need more time to respond to the new issues raised in the counter affidavit.

    The prosecution lawyer, Y. A Imana, did not opposed Usman’s plea for an adjournment.

    Usman equally made an oral application seeking an order for Bodejo to be granted access to his lawyers, which he said was required by law.

    He said the defendant ought to be afforded adequate time and facility to defend himself.

    But Imana disagreed with Usman’s submission that Bodejo was not given access to his lawyers.

    She said she was unaware of the allegation.

    The lawyer said besides that the prosecution had ensured that the last order of the court directing that Bodejo should be given access to his doctor was complied with, the defendant’s lawyer confirmed to her that he visited him (defendant) in custody.

  • FG arraigns “Miyetti Allah” president, Bello Bodejo, on 3-count terrorism charge

    FG arraigns “Miyetti Allah” president, Bello Bodejo, on 3-count terrorism charge

    The Federal Government  on Friday, 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 ).

    Justice Ekwo had, on Feb. 22, gave the FG seven days ultimatum to file charges against the detained “Miyetti Allah” president following the expiration of the 15-day order.

    Bodejo’s counsel, Sheriff, on March 13, adopted and argued the motion filed on his client’s behalf and the matter was fixed for today for ruling.

    Delivering the ruling on Friday, the judge observed that 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.

    He said the prosecution, which filed a counter affidavit opposing the plea for bail, also averred to produce him in court for arraignment.

    Justice Ekwo said that though the matter was reserved for ruling, the application had been overtaken by event by virtue of the prosecution having filed a charge against Bodejo.

    “A matter is said to be overtaken by event when something happens that has the capacity to change the original course of action, or, when there is a superseding course occurs that makes a previous course of action no longer a suitable pursuit.

    “In judicial consideration, a matter overtaken by event means that by the prevailing circumstance, a previous course of action has lost its currency and by virtue of that, become academic,” he said

    The judge consequently ordered Bodejo to enter his plea to the charge against him, in accordance with provision of Section 159 (2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

    Sheriff, however, informed the court that though they were served with the amended charge late yesterday, he said they felt it was appropriate for his client to take his plea.

    The detained “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 witneses 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.

    He said that the prosecution already filed a one-count charge before bringing up the amended one.

    The judge then told Sheriff to bring this up in the final address.

    Abubakar, however, applied that Bodejo should continue to be detained in the DIA custody and Justice Ekwo granted the oral application.

    Sheriff informed the court about Bodejo’s state of health and urged the court to direct the prosecution to give him proper medical treatment

    “My lord ,when we came into the court, we heard the prosecuting counsel asking our client about his health.

    “And when i enquired, he told me that he has been illed for a long time in the custody.

    “We apply that the prosecution should provide necessary medical care to the defendant.

    “We also apply that the defendant be allowed to have access to his counsel as provided by the constitution,” he prayed.

    The judge then 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.