Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the terrorism charges against Bello Bodejo, President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Kore.
This decision followed the federal government’s unexpected announcement that it would no longer pursue the case.
During the hearing on Wednesday, prosecuting lawyer Mrs. Aderonke Imana informed the court of the government’s decision to withdraw the charges.
Mrs. Imana made an oral application based on Section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, and the constitutional authority of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) under Section 174.
She stated, “The Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation has instructed me to withdraw this charge against the defendant in the interest of justice.”
Responding to the government’s decision, Bodejo’s defense counsel, Mr. Aliyu Raji, expressed gratitude to the AGF for his “magnanimous gesture” and urged Justice Ekwo to discharge his client.
“We urge your lordship to discharge the accused person under the sections referred to by the prosecutor,” Raji said.
Justice Ekwo granted the application and ordered Bodejo’s discharge, stating, “The court is hereby moved to consider the application for the discharge of the defendant.
Consequently, an order is hereby made discharging the defendant. That is the order of this court.”
Bodejo’s legal issues began in January when security operatives arrested him at the Miyetti Allah Head Office, located at Tundun Maliya Cattle Market along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
His arrest and subsequent detention were initially justified by the federal government on security grounds.
The case has attracted widespread attention due to the high profile of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Kore group, which represents Fulani herdsmen across Nigeria.
The federal government’s abrupt decision to drop the charges has sparked debate over the reasons behind this reversal and its broader implications for the justice system.
This development underscores the complexities and potential political dynamics in handling high-profile security cases in Nigeria.
The rationale for the government’s sudden change of stance remains unclear, prompting speculation and further scrutiny from legal analysts and the public.
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