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From Sola Ojo, Abuja
The Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday ordered the remand of the leader of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Abdullahi Bodejo, in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s holding facility after he pleaded not guilty to a 12-count charge bordering on the alleged laundering of $2.33 million.
Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo gave the order after listening to arguments by both the prosecution and the defence on Bodejo’s bail application. He subsequently adjourned the matter until July 20, 2026, for a ruling on the application.
The EFCC alleged that Bodejo knowingly received cash payments amounting to $2.33 million outside the banking system in transactions that exceeded the statutory threshold prescribed under Nigeria’s Money Laundering laws.
One of the charges alleged that on January 11, 2022, Bodejo accepted $100,000 in cash from Sa’idu Abubakar, a former Accountant-General of Bauchi State currently in the custody of the Nigeria Police Force, without routing the transaction through a financial institution as required by law.
The anti-graft agency further alleged that on February 7, 2024, he received another $980,000 in cash from the same individual, also in violation of the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
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Bodejo pleaded not guilty to all 12 counts after they were read to him.
Following his plea, prosecution counsel, Wahab Shittu (SAN), urged the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendant in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
Defence counsel, Ahmed Raji (SAN), however, prayed the court to admit his client to bail based on an application filed on June 30, 2026.
Opposing the application, Shittu relied on a 28-paragraph counter-affidavit dated July 6, 2026, arguing that the defendant posed a flight risk and could interfere with witnesses.
He also told the court that the Department of State Services (DSS) was looking out for Bodejo.
Justice Ekwo declined to grant bail immediately and instead ordered that Bodejo be remanded in the EFCC’s holding facility pending a ruling on his bail application on July 20, 2026.
