The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to the National President of Miyetti Allah Kauta Hore, Bello Bodejo, in the sum of N2 billion over alleged money laundering charges.
Delivering the ruling on Monday, Justice Inyang Ekwo ordered Bodejo to provide two sureties in the same amount. The court directed that one surety must be an Abuja resident with three years’ tax clearance, while the second must own landed property in Abuja valued at N2 billion.
Justice Ekwo also ordered the defendant to surrender his international passport to the court registrar and prohibited him from travelling outside Nigeria without the court’s approval.
The judge held that the offences against Bodejo are bailable under the law and exercised the court’s discretion in granting his application.
The case was adjourned to October 5, 6 and 7 for the commencement of trial.
Bodejo was remanded in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on July 9 after being arraigned on alleged money laundering charges.
The EFCC, through its counsel, Wahab Shittu (SAN), filed the charges on June 25, naming Bodejo as the sole defendant. He pleaded not guilty to all counts when they were read in court.
Defence counsel Ahmed Raji (SAN) urged the court to grant bail, arguing that the alleged offences are bailable under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). However, the prosecution opposed the application before the court eventually ruled in Bodejo’s favour.
Source: NAN
