Mohammed Musa, the brother of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore’s President Bello Bodejo, has refuted claims of his involvement in the formation of an ethnic militia group called Kungiya Zaman Lafiya. In an affidavit supporting Bodejo’s bail application dated March 28, 2024, Musa clarified that his brother only established a registered vigilante company that provided security services and promoted peace within the community.
According to Musa, Bodejo had no connection to the alleged ethnic militia group mentioned in the charges filed against him. The vigilante company, known as Nomad Vigilante Nigeria Limited, was established with the sole purpose of ensuring security and fostering peace, not engaging in any form of terrorism.
On the other hand, a counter affidavit filed by Noma Wando from the Department of Public Prosecutions, Federal Ministry of Justice, disputed Bodejo’s claims. Wando argued that Bodejo was not suffering from any life-threatening illness as he had claimed and raised concerns about the defendant’s likelihood of attending trial if granted bail.
Bodejo was apprehended on January 23 at the Miyetti Allah office in Nasarawa State for allegedly unveiling a militia group. He was subsequently charged with terrorism and appeared before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja on March 22, 2024.
During the bail hearing, Bodejo’s counsel, Dr. Sulaiman Usman, requested an adjournment to address new issues raised by the Federal Government in their counter-affidavit. The prosecution did not oppose the adjournment request.
Usman also sought an order from the court directing the Department of State Services (DSS) to allow Bodejo access to his legal team to adequately prepare for the trial. The prosecution disputed the claim of denying Bodejo access to his lawyers, stating that they had been granted visitation rights.
Justice Ekwo instructed the defense to report any instances of denied access to the court promptly.
The case continues to unfold as Bodejo faces serious charges related to terrorism, with conflicting narratives from both sides presenting a complex legal battle ahead. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
