The Federal High Court in Abuja has discharged Alhaji Bello Bodejo, President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, of all terrorism charges against him.
Justice Inyang Ekwo delivered the verdict on Wednesday after the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) unexpectedly withdrew the charges.
During the hearing, Ms. Aderonke Imana, representing the AGF, informed the court of their intention to withdraw the three-count terrorism charge against Bodejo.
“Consequently, the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation has instructed me to withdraw this charge against the defendant in the interest of justice.
“That is our humble application my lord,” she said.
Bodejo’s lawyer, Mr. Ahmed Raji (SAN), did not object to the withdrawal. He expressed gratitude to the AGF, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), for his “magnanimous gesture” and urged the court to formally discharge his client.
Bodejo was arrested in January 2024 and faced allegations of establishing an ethnic militia group and engaging in activities deemed detrimental to national security. He had been held in custody since then while awaiting trial.
The reasons behind the AGF’s decision to withdraw charges are not yet publicly known. The prosecution did not elaborate on what constitutes “the interest of justice” in this context.