Court refuses to review Miyetti Allah leader Bodejo’s N2bn bail conditions
Federal High Court Denies Bail Condition Review for Miyetti Allah President
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday declined to hear an application filed by Bello Bodejo, the National President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, requesting a review of the N2 billion bail conditions set earlier in the week.
Justice Inyang Ekwo ruled that the motion could not proceed due to opposition from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The judge noted that it was unlikely the case would be resolved before the court enters its annual vacation.
Bodejo is facing charges of money laundering related to $2.63 million allegedly tied to the Bauchi State Government. On Monday, the court granted him bail set at N2 billion, requiring two sureties. One must provide evidence of three years of tax clearance and reside within the jurisdiction, while the other must possess Abuja property valued at N2 billion.
During Thursday’s proceedings, Bodejo’s attorney, Mohammed Sheriff, informed the court about the application to modify the bail conditions. EFCC counsel Fatai Erewunmi confirmed receipt of the application and stated that the agency had submitted a counter-affidavit opposing the request.
After reviewing the arguments, Justice Ekwo pointed out the insufficient time to address the contested application prior to the court’s vacation. He advised both parties to present their case to a vacation judge during the recess, emphasizing that the main trial would return to his court afterward.
The judge then adjourned the case until October 5 for the trial to commence.
According to the EFCC, Bodejo allegedly received $100,000 from Sa’idu Abubakar, a former Accountant-General of Bauchi State currently in police custody, among other foreign currency payments. The commission claims these cash transactions exceeded the legal limit of N5 million permissible outside the banking system under Nigerian money laundering laws.
The EFCC alleges that Bodejo’s actions violated provisions of both the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act of 2011, as amended, and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 under which he is being prosecuted.
