EFCC Holds Miyetti Allah Leader Bodejo Over Alleged $2.6m Money Case

(Bello Bodejo. Photo Credit: PM News)

In connection with an alleged $2.63 million money laundering case, a Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday ordered Bello Bodejo, the National President of Miyetti Allah Kauta Hore, to be placed under the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Following Bodejo’s arraignment by the anti-graft agency on several counts pertaining to suspected money laundering and terrorism financing, Justice Inyang Ekwo issued the order.

The judge postponed the case until July 20 for a decision and ordered the defendant to stay in EFCC custody while his bail application was being considered.

On June 25, Wahab Shittu, SAN, on behalf of the EFCC, filed the charges against Bodejo.

The Miyetti Allah leader entered a not guilty plea to each count after the charges were read.

The prosecution asked the court to remand the defendant after he entered a plea and asked for a trial date.

Ahmed Raji, SAN, the defense attorney, told the court that a bail application had already been submitted and asked for permission to proceed.

Raji maintained that the accused offenses are subject to bail under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, or ACJA, and that the application, which was submitted on June 30, was supported by multiple grounds.

He asked that his client be granted bail by the court.

In opposition to the application, Shittu informed the court that the EFCC had submitted a counter-affidavit consisting of 28 paragraphs, which it fully accepted.

He contended that Bodejo had previously been arrested by the Department of State Services, or DSS, for other suspected offenses and that, should he be released on bond, there was a chance he would conduct new crimes.

Additionally, the prosecution rejected the defendant’s claim of illness, arguing that Bodejo did not seem to be in terrible health and that the injuries mentioned was not recent.

Shittu added that if the offender was granted bail, he might use his power to sway witnesses.

He did, however, ask the court to set strict guidelines in the event that it decided to free him.

The EFCC claims that Bodejo illegally accepted multiple cash payments from Sa’idu Abubakar, a former Bauchi State attorney general who is presently being held by the police.

According to the DSS, Bodejo got $200,000 in cash from Abubakar in Abuja on January 21, 2022, surpassing the lawful transaction threshold.

It was claimed that on October 26, 2022, he received an additional $100,000 and an additional $980,000 in cash transactions.

According to the EFCC, the alleged offenses are punishable under Section 19(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and violate Section 19(1)(d).