Miyetti Allah President Remanded in EFCC Custody Over Alleged $2.63m Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing
The President of Miyetti Allah Kauta Hore, Bello Bodejo, has been remanded in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of money laundering and terrorism financing involving $2.63 million.
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja issued the remand order on Thursday after Bodejo was arraigned by the anti-graft agency on multiple charges bordering on alleged financial crimes.
Justice Inyang Ekwo ordered that the Miyetti Allah leader remain in EFCC custody pending the determination of his bail application. The court adjourned the matter until July 20 for ruling.
Bodejo pleaded not guilty to all charges brought against him by the EFCC, following the reading of the counts before the court.
The EFCC, through its counsel, Wahab Shittu, SAN, had filed the charges on June 25 and requested that the defendant be remanded while a trial date was fixed.
However, Bodejo’s lawyer, Ahmed Raji, SAN, informed the court that a bail application had already been filed on June 30. He argued that the alleged offences were bailable under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and urged the court to release his client.
Opposing the bail request, the EFCC presented a 28-paragraph counter-affidavit, arguing that granting bail could pose risks, including the possibility of interference with witnesses or committing further offences.
The prosecution also challenged claims of ill health made by the defendant, stating that the injury cited was not recent and that Bodejo did not appear to be in poor health.
According to the EFCC, Bodejo allegedly received several cash payments from Sa’idu Abubakar, a former Attorney-General of Bauchi State who is currently in police custody.
The commission alleged that Bodejo received $200,000 in cash on January 21, 2022, in Abuja, an amount said to have exceeded the legal transaction limit. It further accused him of receiving another $100,000 on October 26, 2022, alongside additional cash payments totalling about $980,000.
The EFCC said the alleged offences contravened provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and are punishable under the law.
Bodejo, however, has denied the allegations by pleading not guilty, and the court is expected to rule on his bail application on July 20.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.