The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to the National President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Bodejo, in the sum of N2 billion over allegations of money laundering involving $2.63 million.
Justice Inyang Ekwo delivered the ruling on Monday after hearing arguments on Bodejo’s bail application.
The judge ordered Bodejo to produce two sureties, each in the sum of N2 billion.
One surety must be a resident of Abuja with evidence of three years tax clearance. The second must own landed property in Abuja valued at N2 billion.
Justice Ekwo also directed the defendant to surrender his international passport to the court registrar and barred him from traveling out of Nigeria without the court’s permission.
“The offences are bailable under Nigerian law and the court has the discretion to grant bail where appropriate,” the judge held, before admitting the defendant to bail.
Bodejo was remanded in EFCC custody on July 9 following his arraignment.
The EFCC, through its counsel Wahab Shittu, SAN, filed a charge dated June 24 and submitted on June 25, naming Bodejo as the sole defendant in the alleged money laundering case.
He pleaded not guilty to all counts when the charges were read.
After his plea, the prosecution asked for a trial date and urged the court to keep the defendant in custody.
But Bodejo’s lawyer, Ahmed Raji, SAN, informed the court that a bail application had been filed since June 30. He argued that the charges, which relate to alleged money laundering, are bailable under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and urged the court to grant bail.
The EFCC opposed the application. Justice Ekwo, however, overruled the prosecution’s objection and granted bail on the stated terms.
The court has fixed October 5, 6 and 7 for commencement of trial.
