By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday arraigned the President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Bodejo, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over an alleged $2.63 million money laundering case.
Bodejo was arraigned on charges bordering on the alleged laundering of about $2.63 million, which the anti-graft agency said was handled in violation of Nigeria’s anti-money laundering laws.
He pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him.
Following his plea, counsel to the EFCC asked the court to fix a date for trial, while the defence applied for bail. The court subsequently admitted Bodejo to bail on conditions to be met and adjourned the case for the commencement of trial.
According to the EFCC, “Bodejo violated provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act in relation to the movement and handling of the funds at the centre of the prosecution.”
The money laundering case is separate from an earlier criminal matter involving the Miyetti Allah leader.
In January 2024, operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency arrested Bodejo over the alleged establishment of Kungiya Zaman Lafiya, a vigilante group accused of operating without the approval of the relevant security authorities.
He was subsequently charged before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations related to the group’s activities and was later granted bail.
The prosecution attracted national attention, with supporters of the Miyetti Allah leader arguing that the outfit was established to complement community policing efforts amid rising insecurity. However, the Federal Government maintained that no organisation is permitted to establish an armed security outfit without lawful authorisation.
The fresh money laundering charges mark a separate legal proceeding and add to the legal challenges currently facing the influential cattle breeders’ association president.
The case was adjourned to a later date for the commencement of trial.