Crime

Federal High Court Orders Prompt Prosecution of Miyetti Allah Leader Over Alleged Vigilante Group, Sets Seven-Day Deadline for Federal Government Action

Published

2 months ago

February 24, 2024

Stella Charles Akupue

Federal High Court Orders Prompt Prosecution of Miyetti Allah Leader Over Alleged Vigilante Group, Sets Seven-Day Deadline for Federal Government Action

The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a significant ruling mandating the Federal Government of Nigeria to formally charge Bello Bodejo, the leader of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, within a week.

This directive, issued by Justice Inyang Ekwo, follows the expiration of an initial order allowing the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) to detain Bodejo for 15 days at the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) for investigative purposes.

The motion ex-parte filed on February 5 by Mohammed Abubakar, the Director of Public Prosecutions, sought Bodejo’s remand, which was granted by the court. This action was part of the AGF’s efforts to keep Bodejo in custody pending the completion of an ongoing investigation and his subsequent arraignment.

Bodejo’s arrest on January 23 from the Miyetti Allah office in Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, stemmed from the organization’s announcement of a new vigilante group, raising concerns about the alleged orchestration of an armed militia, which could threaten national unity and contravene the Nigerian constitution.

Legal Basis and Allegations:

The allegations against Bodejo, outlined in an affidavit by Noma Wando, a litigation officer at the Ministry of Justice, are said to fall under the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022. This necessitates a thorough investigation into the matter, considering its potential implications for national security.

Current Status and Court Proceedings:

During the recent court session, F.N. Umoh, representing the AGF, informed the court that the NIA had only recently submitted Bodejo’s statement to the minister’s office, delaying filing the anticipated charges. Consequently, the Ministry of Justice requested an extension, prompting Justice Ekwo to set a new seven-day deadline for the federal government to take legal action against the Miyetti Allah leader.

Implications:

The court’s directive underscores the seriousness with which the government views allegations of activities that could threaten national security and violate constitutional provisions. It also reflects the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring that legal processes are followed diligently and promptly in such cases.

The outcome of this legal action against Bodejo will likely have significant ramifications for the governance of vigilante groups and the maintenance of law and order in Nigeria.

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