Court Grants ₦2bn Bail to Miyetti Allah President Bello Bodejo Over Alleged $2.33m Money Laundering Case
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Nnanna Orji Igbo
ABUJA — Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday granted bail to the National President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Bodejo, in the sum of ₦2 billion as he faces trial over alleged money laundering involving $2.33 million.
The court imposed stringent conditions for his release, requiring him to provide two sureties in like sum who must be responsible individuals of proven integrity.
Justice Ekwo ruled that one of the sureties must own landed property within the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), while the second must present valid tax clearance certificates covering the 2023, 2024 and 2025 assessment years.
The judge further directed the Registrar of the Federal High Court to verify all documents submitted by the sureties before the bail conditions can be deemed satisfied.
As part of the bail terms, Bodejo was ordered to surrender all his travel documents to the court. The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has also been notified to ensure that he does not leave Nigeria or travel outside the court's jurisdiction without obtaining prior approval from the court.
Justice Ekwo subsequently adjourned the matter to October 5, 6 and 7, 2026, for the continuation of trial.
Bodejo was arraigned on July 9, 2026, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 12-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering involving $2.33 million.
The anti-graft agency alleged that the funds were handled in violation of Nigeria's anti-money laundering laws. However, the Miyetti Allah leader pleaded not guilty to all the charges when they were read before the court.
With his plea entered, the court fixed dates for trial while considering his application for bail, which was eventually granted under strict conditions.
The latest ruling means that although Bodejo has secured bail, he will remain subject to the court's directives and is expected to appear for all scheduled proceedings as his trial progresses.
The case has attracted considerable public attention because of Bodejo's position as the National President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, one of Nigeria's most prominent cattle breeders' associations, which has often featured in national conversations on security, agriculture, grazing policies and herder-farmer relations.
Legal observers say the stringent bail conditions reflect the court's effort to ensure the defendant remains available for trial while balancing his constitutional right to liberty before conviction.
Although the court did not make any findings on the substance of the allegations, legal analysts note that the presumption of innocence remains in Bodejo's favour until the prosecution proves its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Following the ruling, legal practitioners described the bail conditions as stringent but consistent with the discretion vested in the court in serious financial crime cases.
Some lawyers observed that the ₦2 billion bail and the requirement for financially credible sureties underscore the gravity of the charges while ensuring that the defendant has an opportunity to prepare his defence outside custody.
Civil society observers also urged the EFCC to diligently prosecute the case and present convincing evidence before the court, stressing that public confidence in the justice system depends on fair, transparent and speedy trials.
Supporters of the Miyetti Allah leader welcomed the court's decision to admit him to bail, expressing confidence that he would clear his name during the trial. Others, however, maintained that the judicial process should be allowed to run its full course without interference or premature conclusions.
The Federal High Court is expected to resume hearing in the matter on October 5, 6 and 7, when the prosecution and defence will continue presenting their respective cases.
