Court Approves 60-day Detention Of Miyetti Allah Leader, Badejo, 6 Others/Vop

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted permission to the Defence Intelligence Agency, DIA, to detain Alhaji Bello Bodejo, the President of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, alongside six others for 60 days to allow for investigations into allegations of banditry and illegal arms possession.

Justice Emeka Nwite approved the detention following an ex-parte motion filed by DIA counsel I.O. Odom. The case, listed as FHC/ABJ/CS/1875/V/2024, requested a two-month detention period to facilitate a thorough investigation.

The suspects, arrested in Nasarawa State on December 11, include Bodejo, Suleiman Abba, Umar Jibrin, Umar Bello, Muhammed Ayuba, Jibrin Baba, and Saidu Wakili.

They were transferred to DIA custody after their arrest by troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

According to an affidavit submitted by DIA investigator Bonny Ozegbe, the suspects were involved in an attack on a military base in Nasarawa State. The assault, allegedly orchestrated by Bodejo, resulted in injuries to soldiers and civilians, theft of military arms, and significant destruction.

Recovered from the suspects were AK-47 rifles and ammunition. The affidavit also pointed out ongoing efforts to capture additional accomplices.

“Releasing the suspects could jeopardise the investigation and pose a serious threat to national security,” Ozegbe stated.

Justice Nwite granted the request, permitting DIA custody for the suspects until March 3, 2025, when the case will be mentioned.

In a related development, Justice Mohammed Zubairu of the FCT High Court ordered the release of Bodejo from the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS, deeming his earlier detention without charges as unlawful.