Members of the Miyetti-Allah Kautal Hore have staged a peaceful protest at the Federal High Court, Abuja to demand the release of their detained president, Bello Bodejo.
The protesters, who carried a big banner with inscription: “”Free Bello Bodejo,” gathered at the entrance of the court to express their displeasure over Bodejo’s detention.
Other members of the group also carried placards which read: “DIA, Free Bodejo Now,” “Release Bodejo.”
Comrade Kabir Matazu, who spoke on behalf of the group, described their leader’s arrest and detention as unlawful.
According to him, in a democratic society, rule of law is the building block.
“You cannot arbitrarily arrest individual without proper charge and arraigning him in court.That is why we have gathered our members across the country to come here to agitate and also make our voice heard,” he said.
“We call on the Nigerian security agencies should, without further delay, free and release unconditionally, Bello Bodejo, the president of Miyetti Allah.”
Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court had, on March 5, fixed today for the hearing of Bodejo’s motion on notice, seeking his unconditional release from the Defence Intelligence Agency, DIA’s custody.
The judge gave the order following the expiration of the earlier order granted the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, to remand Bodejo for 15 days in the custody of DIA pending conclusion of his investigation.
The Federal Government, in a motion ex-parte marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/141/2024, sought an order to remand Bodejo, the sole respondent, in the NIA custody pending conclusion of investigation and arraignment in court.
The motion was dated and filed Feb. 5 by M.B. Abubakar, Director, Public Prosecution of the Federation in the office of the AGF and Minister of Justice.
In the affidavit deposed to by Noma Wando, a litigation officer in the ministry, he said Bodejo was arrested on Jan. 23 in Malia, Nasarawa State and was in custody.
Mr Wando said that his arrest was predicated on the alleged raising up an armed militia in detriment of the nation’s unity contrary to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
According to him, the suspect/respondent is being investigated for offences which constitute threat to national security under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022).
Watch the video here: https://x.com/imranmuhdz/status/1767882096188490084?s=46&t=zZRX-Eg9dA8lWSiPRJxxQw
