The Federal Government has on Friday arraigned the leader of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hire group, Abdullahi Bello Bodejo, for terrorism related offence.
Bodejo was brought before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja for allegedly establishing and supporting unlawfully an ethnic militia group, Kungiya Zaman Lafiya in Nasarawa State, which breached the Provisions of the Terrorism Act 2011.
Bodejo pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him, following which Justice Inyang Ekwo ordered that he further detained in the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
Justice Ekwo adjourned till May 27 for the commencement of the trial.
Recall that Miyetti Allah leader was arrested in Nasarawa State days after the organisation launched a Vigilante Group named, Kungiya Zaman Lafiya.
At the inauguration of 1,144-man Fulani outfit on January 17, 2024, Bodejo said the move was to tackle banditry, cattle rustling and all forms of insecurity in Nasarawa State.
Following the arrest, the Miyetti Allah leader filed a fundamental rights suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge his prolonged detention.
In response, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), on February 5, filed a motion seeking to remand Bodejo pending the conclusion of the investigation and arraignment in Court.
Justice Inyang Ekwo, who is hearing Bodejo’s suit, granted the Federal Government permission to detain him for 15 days in custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
Subsequently, the Judge ordered the Federal Government to either file charges against Miyetti Allah leader or release him.
-9News Nigeria.
