The Federal High Court in Abuja has approved the detention of Alhaji Bello Bodejo, President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, and six others for 60 days. The court order allows the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) to investigate allegations of banditry and illegal arms possession against the suspects.
Justice Emeka Nwite granted the detention request after DIA counsel I.O. Odom filed an ex-parte motion under case number FHC/ABJ/CS/1875/V/2024. The ruling permits the suspects’ detention until March 3, 2025.
The suspects, arrested by Nigerian Armed Forces troops in Nasarawa State on December 11, include Suleiman Abba, Umar Jibrin, Umar Bello, Muhammed Ayuba, Jibrin Baba, and Saidu Wakili. They were handed over to the DIA for further investigation.
An affidavit submitted by DIA investigator Bonny Ozegbe alleged that the suspects orchestrated an attack on a military base in Nasarawa State, resulting in injuries, theft of military weapons, and extensive damage. AK-47 rifles and ammunition were reportedly recovered during their arrest.
The affidavit warned that releasing the suspects could compromise the investigation and threaten national security. Justice Nwite upheld the request, granting the DIA ample time to pursue leads and apprehend additional accomplices.
Meanwhile, in a related case, Justice Mohammed Zubairu of the FCT High Court ordered Bodejo’s release from Department of State Services (DSS) custody, ruling that his earlier detention without charges was unlawful.
This development has sparked debate over security measures and human rights, as authorities continue to tackle the growing threat of banditry in the region.
