Bodejo detained for national security, FG tells court
Members of the Miyetti Allah ‘Kautal Hore’ Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), yesterday, staged a protest at the Federal High Court, Abuja, to demand the unconditional release of their president, Bello Bodejo.
Bodejo was arrested on January 23, 2024 at the Miyetti Allah’s office in Karu Local Council of Nasarawa State over illegal unveiling of a vigilante group and had been held in the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) since then.
The protesters, carrying banners with the inscription ‘Free Bello Bodejo’, ‘DIA, Free Bodejo Now’ and ‘Release Bodejo’ gathered at the entrance of the court to press home their demands.
Kabir Matazu, who spoke on behalf of the group, said his arrest and detention was unlawful.
According to him, in a democratic society, rule of law is the building block.
He said: “You cannot arbitrarily arrest an individual without proper charge and arraign him in court. That is why we have gathered our members across the country to come here to agitate and also make our voice heard.
“We call on the Nigerian security agencies to, without further delay, free and release unconditionally, Bello Bodejo, the president of Miyetti Allah.”
HOWEVER, the Federal Government has explained that it was detaining Bodejo in the interest of national security.
In the charge before the court, FG accused the applicant of establishing an ethnic militia group without authorisation.
Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), urged the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to reject an application the detained leader of the group filed to enforce his fundamental right to freedom.
He told the court that a criminal charge had been entered against the applicant.
When the matter came up, yesterday, Bodejo’s lawyer, Mohammed Sheriff, notified the court that he had filed an application for the unconditional release of his client from DIA custody.
Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court had, on February 22, given the Federal Government seven days to file a charge against the suspect.
He gave the order following the expiration of the earlier order, which granted the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF) to remand Bodejo for 15 days in DIA custody pending the conclusion of investigation.
The court, after entertaining arguments from lead counsel, fixed March 22 for hearing on the bail plea.
