Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore national president Bello Bodejo is arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged money laundering and terrorism-financing-related offences, involving about $2.63 million. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brings a 12-count charge before Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo (also reported as Justice Inyang Ekwo). Bodejo pleads not guilty to all counts.
After the arraignment, the court orders that Bodejo be remanded in EFCC custody pending a decision on his bail application. Multiple outlets report that the judge adjourns the case for a ruling on bail, with one report stating the matter is set for July 20.
The EFCC alleges that Bodejo accepted cash transactions from Sa’idu Abubakar, a former accountant-general of Bauchi State, on dates including January 21, 2022, and October 26, 2022, along with additional cash transactions, with the amounts reported collectively around $2.63 million. The charge cites alleged contraventions of provisions of Nigeria’s Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Sources also report the prosecution and defence argue over whether the alleged offences are bailable and whether release could lead to further offences or interference with witnesses.