EFCC Arraigns Miyetti Allah Leader Bodejo Over $2.33m Money Laundering Charges

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has formally arraigned the leader of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore group, Bello Bodejo, before the Federal High Court in Abuja. He faces a 12-count charge related to money laundering involving an estimated $2.33 million.

Bodejo appeared before Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo on Thursday, where he pleaded not guilty to all counts. The charges allege that he violated the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act by accepting substantial cash payments without utilizing formal financial institutions as required by law.

Specific counts detailed in the indictment include the alleged receipt of $100,000 and $980,000 in cash from a former Accountant-General of Bauchi State, Sa’idu Abubakar. Prosecutors maintain that these transactions bypassed legal financial channels, forming part of a larger sum totaling $2.33 million.

Following the plea, the defense counsel, Ahmed Raji (SAN), requested that Bodejo be admitted to bail based on an application filed late last month. However, the prosecution, led by Wahab Shittu (SAN), strongly opposed the request. The EFCC argued that the defendant is an influential figure who could pose a flight risk and potentially interfere with witnesses or the ongoing investigation.

Justice Ekwo ordered that Bodejo be remanded in the EFCC’s holding facility pending further proceedings. The court has adjourned the matter until July 20 for a formal ruling on the bail application.