Mohammed Musa, sibling to Bello Bodejo, President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, refuted any connection to the creation of an ethnic militia group, Kungiya Zaman Lafiya.
Musa made this declaration in an affidavit supporting Bodejo’s bail request, dated March 28, 2024. Musa clarified that his brother had only established a legally registered vigilante company offering security services and promoting peace, not involved in any alleged militia group.
In a counter affidavit dated April 2, filed by a litigation clerk in the Department of Public Prosecutions, Federal Ministry of Justice, Noma Wando, the Federal Government urged the court to reject Bodejo’s bail plea.
Contrary to Bodejo’s claim of suffering from a life-threatening illness, Wando stated no substantial evidence supported this assertion. Additionally, Wando argued that Bodejo would evade trial if granted bail due to the severity of the alleged offenses and legal consequences.
Bodejo was apprehended on January 23 at the Miyetti Allah’s office in Karu LGA of Nasarawa State for allegedly introducing a militia group. He faced arraignment before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja on three counts of terrorism on March 22, 2024.
During the bail application hearing on Wednesday, Dr. Sulaiman Usman, representing the defendant, requested an adjournment to address new issues raised in the government’s counter-affidavit.
The prosecution, represented by Y. A Imana, did not oppose this request. Usman also orally requested the court to direct the DIA to grant Bodejo access to his legal counsel, emphasizing the need for adequate preparation for trial. However, Imana contested Usman’s assertion, stating that Bodejo had already received legal attention as ordered by the court. Justice Ekwo instructed parties to report any denial of access to Bodejo.
