The Association of Kautal Fulaku Waila Harmony and Outreach for Rapid Development has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to either charge Alhaji Abdullahi Bello Bodejo, a leader of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, before a competent court or release him if there is no lawful basis for his continued detention.

The group made this demand while addressing the press on Saturday evening following what it described as the further arrest and detention of Bodejo after the Federal High Court in Abuja reportedly granted him bail in connection with allegations brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Bodejo is facing alleged offences including receiving dollar cash, traced to the Bauchi State Government, that was higher than the cash transaction threshold permitted by the Nigerian anti-money laundering law.

He was arraigned before Judge Inyang Ekwo on 9 July on six charges brought by the EFCC. He pleaded not guilty, and the case was adjourned until 5 October for trial. On 20 July, Judge Ekwo granted him N2 billion bail with two sureties. The judge ordered one surety, who must be resident in Abuja, to present evidence of three years’ tax clearance and the second to produce evidence of ownership of landed property worth N2 billion in the federal capital. The bail was reduced to N1billion.

According to the association, the bail conditions imposed by the court had reportedly been fulfilled before Bodejo was further arrested by DSS operatives.
The group said it was concerned about the circumstances surrounding the continued detention.

The National Leader of the Group, Alh. Bello Buba Ningi, believed “no sufficient explanation had been provided to Bodejo’s family, followers and the wider public regarding the legal basis for the further arrest.

“We do not support or promote the violation of any law by any individual,” the association said, adding that if there was credible and lawful evidence linking Bodejo to an offence, the appropriate authorities should investigate the matter and, where necessary, prosecute him before a competent court.”

Ningi stressed that security agencies and government institutions must operate within the limits of the Constitution and applicable laws. He appealed to the DSS to provide a clear explanation of the circumstances surrounding Bodejo’s further arrest and detention, especially in view of the reported bail granted by the Federal High Court.

The group also urged relevant government institutions, including the Presidency, National Assembly, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Attorney-General of the Federation and National Security Adviser, to take note of the development and ensure that Bodejo’s fundamental rights are protected.

The association said its demand was not intended to obstruct any investigation or criminal proceedings, but to ensure that due process and the rule of law were followed. “If the DSS or any other competent authority has reasonable grounds to believe that Alhaji Abdullahi Bello Bodejo has committed an offence, our position is simple: let him be taken before a competent court and let the law take its course,” the group stated.

“Conversely, if there is no lawful basis for his continued detention, we call for his immediate release.” The association further appealed to Bodejo’s family members, followers and supporters to remain calm and law-abiding while pursuing available legal avenues to challenge his continued detention.

The group also referred to previous criminal proceedings involving Bodejo which, according to it, ultimately resulted in his discharge and acquittal.
It stressed, however, that the previous outcome should not prevent lawful investigation where there was credible evidence, but maintained that Bodejo, like every Nigerian citizen, was entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court.

The association therefore reiterated its four-point demand: immediate release if there was no lawful basis for continued detention; clarification of the legal and factual basis for the further arrest; prompt arraignment if there were reasonable grounds for prosecution; and appropriate oversight to ensure that his fundamental rights were protected.