A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Federal Government to charge Bello Bodejo, the detained President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, within seven days. The court issued this order after an earlier order that allowed the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) to keep Bodejo in the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency (NIA) for 15 days. The previous order was issued pending the conclusion of his investigation.

The motion, which was filed on February 5 by M.B. Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation in the office of the AGF, alleged that Bodejo raised an armed militia that was detrimental to national unity, contrary to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Bodejo was arrested on January 23 in Malia, Nasarawa State.

Noma Wando, a litigation officer in the Ministry of Justice, deposed to an affidavit stating that Bodejo’s arrest was based on suspicions of offences threatening national security under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Wando expressed concern that Bodejo might continue to commit similar or more severe offences if released, and that he might also evade trial or jump bail.

Justice Ekwo had initially granted the ex-parte motion on February 7 and adjourned the matter until today for a report. However, it was revealed that the NIA had forwarded Bodejo’s statement to the AGF’s office only the day before, hindering the filing of charges within the specified timeframe.

F.N. Umoh, representing the prosecution, requested seven additional days to file the charges as directed by the court. In response, Abdulkarim Maude, appearing for Bodejo, informed the court of their application for the enforcement of his fundamental rights filed on February 7 and served to the prosecution.

Justice Ekwo granted the prosecution seven days to file the charges, scheduling March 1 for Bodejo to enter his plea.