Key points
- Federal High Court grants Miyetti Allah Kauta Hore President Bello Bodejo N2 billion bail.
- Court orders two sureties, including one with Abuja property worth N2 billion.
- Bodejo must surrender his international passport and obtain court approval before travelling abroad.
- Trial is scheduled to begin on Oct. 5, Oct. 6 and Oct. 7.
Main story
The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted Bello Bodejo, National President of Miyetti Allah Kauta Hore, bail in the sum of N2 billion in his ongoing money laundering case.
Justice Inyang Ekwo, who delivered the ruling on Monday, admitted Bodejo to bail with two sureties in the same amount and imposed stringent conditions to guarantee his appearance for trial.
The court directed that one surety must reside in Abuja and provide evidence of three years’ tax clearance, while the second must own landed property in the Federal Capital Territory valued at N2 billion.
Justice Ekwo also ordered Bodejo to deposit his international passport with the court registrar and barred him from travelling outside Nigeria without prior approval of the court.
In granting the application, the judge held that the alleged offences were bailable and exercised the court’s discretion in favour of the defendant.
The court fixed Oct. 5, Oct. 6 and Oct. 7 for the commencement of trial.
Bodejo was arraigned on July 9 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on alleged money laundering charges, to which he pleaded not guilty.
During Monday’s proceedings, defence counsel Ahmed Raji (SAN) argued that the offences were bailable under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), while EFCC counsel Wahab Shittu (SAN) opposed the application.
The issues
The case highlights the judiciary’s discretionary powers in granting bail, even in high-profile financial crime cases, while imposing conditions aimed at ensuring defendants remain available for trial.
What’s being said
“The offence with which the defendant was charged was bailable and the court has the discretionary power to exercise this in his favour.” — Justice Inyang Ekwo
What’s next
The Federal High Court will commence trial on Oct. 5, Oct. 6 and Oct. 7, when the prosecution is expected to begin presenting its evidence.
Bottom line
While Bodejo has secured bail under strict conditions, the money laundering case will proceed to trial later this year.
