Bello Bodejo, the leader of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore group, was brought before a Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, March 22.
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He was charged with the establishment of an unlawful ethnic militia group called Kungiya Zaman Lafiya.
The charges were filed by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and accused Bodejo of violating the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.
Bodejo pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the prosecuting lawyer, Mohammed Abubakar, requested a day for the trial to begin.
Abubakar informed the court that they had two witnesses prepared, but could call more if necessary.
On the other hand, Bodejo’s defense lawyer, Mohammed Sheriff, raised concerns about the competence of the charge, arguing that it was an amended charge for which the prosecution had not sought the court’s permission earlier.
Sheriff also expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of access to his sick client. In response, Justice Inyang Ekwo ruled that the defendant would remain in the custody of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and ordered the prosecution to provide necessary medical attention to Bodejo.
The judge also emphasized that the court would not tolerate any disruption of its proceedings by the defendant’s supporters and allowed only ten members of Bodejo’s family to attend the court sessions.
The trial was adjourned until May 27, and heightened security measures were in place for Bodejo’s appearance in court, with armed personnel from the Nigerian Army present.
