The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted Bello Bodejo bail in the sum of N2 billion following his arraignment over alleged $2.63 million money laundering offences. The court imposed stringent conditions, including two sureties, surrender of his international passport and restrictions on foreign travel.
Justice Inyang Ekwo delivered the ruling on Monday, admitting the National President of Miyetti Allah Kauta Hore to bail after considering his application. The court ruled that the offences against Bodejo are bailable and exercised its discretion to grant his request under the law.
As part of the bail conditions, one surety must reside in Abuja and provide evidence of three years’ tax clearance, while the second surety must own landed property in the Federal Capital Territory valued at N2 billion. Justice Ekwo also directed that Bodejo deposit his international passport with the court registrar and obtain the court’s approval before travelling outside Nigeria.
Following the bail ruling, the court scheduled the commencement of trial for October 5, 6 and 7. Bodejo had earlier been remanded in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on July 9 after his arraignment before the same court.
The EFCC filed the charge against the Miyetti Allah leader on June 25, with the case naming him as the sole defendant. During the arraignment, the commission’s counsel, Wahab Shittu (SAN), presented the charges before the court. Bodejo pleaded not guilty to all the counts brought against him. Following the plea, the prosecution requested that the court fix a trial date and remand the defendant pending further proceedings.
Counsel to the defendant, Ahmed Raji (SAN), informed the court that a bail application had already been filed on June 30. While moving the application, Raji argued that the allegations centred on money laundering, which are bailable offences under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
He urged the court to grant Bello Bodejo bail, maintaining that his client met the legal requirements for release pending trial. Although the prosecution opposed the request, Justice Ekwo ultimately granted bail, subject to the conditions outlined by the court. The case will now proceed to trial in October as the Federal High Court begins hearing evidence in the alleged money laundering matter.
