EFCC: Court Remands Miyetti Allah President in Over Alleged $2.63 Million Terrorism Financing Case

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of the National President of Miyetti Allah Kauta Hore, Bello Bodejo, in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations involving $2.63 million in money laundering and terrorism financing.

Justice Inyang Ekwo gave the order on Thursday after Bodejo was formally arraigned on multiple criminal charges filed by the anti-graft agency. The defendant pleaded not guilty to all the allegations brought against him.

Following his plea, the prosecution, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Wahab Shittu, requested that the court fix a date for trial and remand the accused pending the hearing of the case.

Counsel to the defendant, Ahmed Raji, SAN, informed the court that a bail application had already been filed on June 30. He argued that the alleged offences are bailable under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and urged the court to grant his client bail.

However, the EFCC opposed the application, relying on a 28-paragraph counter-affidavit. The prosecution argued that Bodejo had previously been detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) over separate allegations and expressed concerns that he could commit further offences or interfere with witnesses if released.

The prosecution also dismissed claims that the defendant was in poor health, maintaining that the medical condition cited was not recent and did not justify his release.

After listening to both parties, Justice Ekwo directed that Bodejo remain in EFCC custody while the court considers the bail application. The matter was adjourned until July 20, when the court is expected to deliver its ruling on bail.

According to the EFCC, Bodejo allegedly received several cash payments from Sa’idu Abubakar, a former Attorney-General of Bauchi State who is currently in police custody.

The anti-corruption agency alleged that on January 21, 2022, Bodejo accepted $200,000 in cash from Abubakar in Abuja, an amount said to exceed the legal cash transaction limit. It further claimed that he received another $100,000 on October 26, 2022, along with an additional $980,000 through separate cash transactions.

The EFCC stated that the alleged acts violate provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which prescribes penalties for unlawful cash transactions and related financial offences.

The case is expected to continue after the court rules on the defendant’s bail application later this month.