Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled the trial of Bello Bodejo, the detained leader of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, for May 29.
This decision follows the court’s dismissal of Bodejo’s bail application.
The trial date was set after a previous hearing was delayed due to Bodejo’s absence.
Bodejo’s counsel, Ahmed Raji, expressed his client’s readiness to proceed with the trial, noting that there would be no immediate appeal against the bail ruling in light of the court’s directive for an expeditious hearing.
News About Nigeria reported that Bodejo was arrested by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) on charges of unlawfully establishing an ethnic militia group, Kungiya Zaman Lafiya, purportedly to promote terrorism.
According to a DSS source, the arrest was prompted by concerns that the establishment of the group could potentially incite violence nationwide.
The source disclosed that the vigilante group, led by Bodejo, had not undergone registration with the DSS, the police, or any other security agency, rendering it unrecognised by the Federal Government.
The absence of formal recognition raised security apprehensions, leading to the arrest of Miyetti Allah’s president.
He has been in DIA custody in Abuja since his arrest.
In March, Bodejo was arraigned on a three-count charge filed by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), alleging violations of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
He has denied all charges.
During the bail hearing, Bodejo’s lawyer argued for his release on grounds including ill health and fundamental rights.
However, Justice Ekwo dismissed the bail application, paving the way for the trial to commence as scheduled.
