The National President of Miyetti Allah Kauta Hore, Bello Bodejo, has secured bail after weeks in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
However, the Federal High Court in Abuja attached strict conditions to the release, including a N2 billion bail bond and high-value sureties.
The decision has drawn attention because of the tough requirements set by the court. Moreover, the ruling comes as Bodejo continues to face allegations of money laundering, charges he has strongly denied since his arraignment.
Justice Inyang Ekwo delivered the ruling on Monday, holding that the offences against the defendant are bailable under Nigerian law. Consequently, the court exercised its discretion by granting bail while fixing dates for the commencement of trial.
According to the court, the bail was fixed at N2 billion. In addition, two sureties in the same amount must be provided.
Justice Ekwo ruled that one surety must be a resident of Abuja. The same surety must also present a valid three-year tax clearance certificate before the court.
Furthermore, the second surety must own landed property in Abuja valued at N2 billion.
The judge also directed Bodejo to surrender his international passport.
Meanwhile, he was prohibited from travelling outside Nigeria without the court’s approval.
The ruling followed arguments presented by both the prosecution and defence teams.
Justice Ekwo maintained that the alleged offences remain bailable.
Therefore, the court found it appropriate to grant the application under its discretionary powers.
The case was subsequently adjourned until October 5, October 6 and October 7.
Trial is expected to begin on those dates.
Bodejo had earlier been remanded in EFCC custody on July 9.
His detention followed his arraignment on allegations bordering on money laundering.
The charges were filed by the EFCC through its counsel, Wahab Shittu (SAN).
The charge was dated June 24 and submitted before the court on June 25.
According to court records, Bodejo is the only defendant in the case.
When the charges were read to him, he pleaded not guilty to every count.
Following his plea, the prosecution requested that the matter proceed to trial.
The EFCC also urged the court to remand the defendant pending further proceedings.
However, Bodejo’s lawyer, Ahmed Raji (SAN), informed the court that a bail application had already been filed.
The application was dated June 30.
Raji argued that the allegations related to money laundering.
He further submitted that such offences are bailable under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
Consequently, he asked the court to grant his client bail.
The defence also urged the court to exercise its discretion in favour of the defendant. Meanwhile, the EFCC opposed the request.
Counsel for the anti-graft agency insisted that the application should be refused.
Despite the opposition, Justice Ekwo admitted Bodejo to bail after considering the arguments from both parties.
