The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to the National President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Bodejo, in the sum of N2 billion as he faces trial over alleged money laundering involving $2.63 million.
Justice Inyang Ekwo delivered the ruling on Monday after considering Bodejo’s bail application. The judge held that the offences against the defendant are bailable and ruled that the court had the discretion to admit him to bail.
As part of the bail conditions, the court ordered Bodejo to produce two sureties in the like sum of N2 billion. One of the sureties must be a resident of Abuja and provide three years’ tax clearance, while the second surety must own landed property worth N2 billion within the Federal Capital Territory.
The court also directed the Miyetti Allah leader to surrender his international passport to the court registrar and barred him from travelling outside Nigeria without the court’s permission.
“The offence with which the defendant was charged was bailable and the court has the discretionary power to exercise this in his favour,” Justice Ekwo ruled.
The judge subsequently adjourned the case until October 5, October 6 and October 7, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
Bodejo was remanded in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on July 9 after he was arraigned on a 12-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering.
He pleaded not guilty to all the charges when they were read to him.
During the proceedings, EFCC counsel, Wahab Shittu (SAN), asked the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendant, while Bodejo’s lawyer, Ahmed Raji (SAN), urged the court to grant his client bail.
Miyetti Allah National President, Bello Badejo
Miyetti Allah National President, Bello Badejo with colleagues
Raji argued that the alleged offences were bailable under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), saying, “The offences with which Bodejo was charged bordered on money laundering. Under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), they are bailable offences.”
