Miyetti Allah Members Stage Protest For Release Of President At Federal High Court
In a show of solidarity, members of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore gathered in significant numbers at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, demanding the unconditional release of their president, Bello Bodejo.
Bodejo was apprehended on January 23 at the Miyetti Allah’s office in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa state, following the unveiling of a vigilante group. Since then, he has been held in the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), had on February 5 filed a motion ex-parte, seeking to remand Bodejo pending the conclusion of investigations and his subsequent arraignment in court. However, Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Abuja division of the Federal High Court granted an order for Bodejo to be remanded for 15 days.
During proceedings on February 22, the judge instructed the Federal Government to file charges against Bodejo within seven days. In response, Bodejo’s lawyer filed a motion for his unconditional release, which is set for hearing today.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Kabir Matazu expressed dismay over the DIA’s disregard for a court order directing Bodejo’s trial or release. Matazu emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law in a democratic society, highlighting the injustice of holding Bodejo without formal charges.
“We are in a democratic society. And in a democratic society, respect for the rule of law is the building block for democracy to thrive. You cannot arbitrarily arrest and detain an individual without a charge against him,” Matazu stated.
He further lamented the lack of access Bodejo’s family and friends have had to him since his arrest, emphasizing Bodejo’s innocence and calling for the immediate release or fair trial of their president.
“It is sad that up till now, his family members were not granted access to see him. He is not a criminal. He has no criminal record. He will not run away and leave this country. So if not because of the failure of our security agencies, there are bandits in the forest who they should have gone after,” Matazu concluded.
