Court Grants Miyetti Allah Leader N2bn Bail in Money Laundering Case

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted N2 billion bail to Bello Bodejo, president of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, in his alleged $2.63 million money laundering case.

Justice Inyang Ekwo granted the bail on Monday and ordered Bodejo to provide two sureties worth N2 billion each.

Bodejo was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on July 9 on a 12-count charge. He pleaded not guilty to all the allegations and was remanded in EFCC custody pending the court’s decision on his bail application.

Court sets strict bail conditions

Under the bail conditions, one of the sureties must live in Abuja and provide evidence of tax payments covering three years.

The second surety must own landed property valued at N2 billion within Abuja. The court registrar must verify the property documents before Bodejo can be released.

Justice Ekwo also ordered Bodejo to submit his international passport to the court.

He cannot travel outside Nigeria without first receiving permission from the court.

The judge ruled that the alleged offences were bailable and said the court had the discretion to approve the application.

EFCC details alleged cash transactions

The EFCC accused Bodejo of receiving several large cash payments from Sa’idu Abubakar, a former Accountant-General of Bauchi State, between January 2022 and March 2024.

The commission alleged that the transactions were conducted outside the banking system and exceeded the legal cash-payment limit.

According to the charges, Bodejo allegedly received $100,000 on January 11, 2022, and another $200,000 on January 21, 2022.

The EFCC also accused him of receiving $100,000 in October 2022, $980,000 in February 2024, $750,000 in March 2024 and another $500,000 later that month.

The commission said the transactions allegedly violated provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.

Bodejo has denied all the charges.

Trial begins in October

The court fixed October 5, 6 and 7, 2026, for the commencement of the trial.

The prosecution is expected to present evidence supporting its claims, while Bodejo’s legal team will have an opportunity to challenge the allegations.

Granting bail does not amount to an acquittal or a finding that the charges are false. It allows the defendant to remain outside custody while the trial continues, provided he meets all the conditions imposed by the court.