The Federal High Court on Wednesday discharged President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Kore, Alhaji Bello Bodejo, from a terrorism charge filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation.
Justice Inyang Ekwo issued the ruling following an oral application by AGF counsel Aderonke Imana, who invoked Section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, and Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
Imana stated, “The Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation has instructed me to withdraw this charge against the defendant in the interest of justice.”
Bodejo’s legal team, led by Ahmed Raji, SAN, and including Johnson Usman, SAN, did not contest the application and expressed gratitude for the AGF’s gesture.
Justice Ekwo acknowledged the prosecution’s request, noting that the trial was initially set to begin, and discharged the defendant.
Bodejo had been arrested on January 23 in Nasarawa State for allegedly raising an armed militia, which was perceived as a threat to national unity.
He was held by the Defence Intelligence Agency and formally arraigned on March 22 under the case number FHC/ABJ/CR/141/2024, pleading not guilty to the three-count terrorism charge.
On April 3, Bodejo sought bail, asserting his lack of a criminal record and emphasizing that the charges were bailable.
His counsel, Raji, argued on April 30 that the government’s counter affidavit failed to provide reasons for denying bail.
He claimed that the prosecution did not explicitly accuse Bodejo of terrorism but rather of forming an “Association for Peaceful Co-existence,” aimed at community security.
However, Imana opposed the bail, citing Bodejo’s involvement in activities prejudicial to national security.
Justice Ekwo rejected the bail request and scheduled the trial to commence on Wednesday, ultimately resulting in Bodejo’s discharge.
