By APN News Desk
The National President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, one of Nigeria’s prominent cattle breeders’ associations, Bello Bodejo, on Thursday pleaded not guilty to a 12-count charge of alleged money laundering and terrorism financing before the Federal High Court in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
Bodejo was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency, before Justice Inyang Ekwo over allegations involving the laundering of about US$2.63 million and the alleged financing of terrorist activities.
When the case was called, counsel to the EFCC informed the court that the matter was scheduled for the defendant to enter his plea. Defence counsel, Ahmed Raji, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), did not object to the arraignment, after which the 12-count charge was read in open court.
Bodejo pleaded not guilty to all the counts.
Following the plea, Justice Ekwo adjourned the case for further proceedings, with a date to be fixed for the commencement of trial.
According to the EFCC, the charges relate to alleged offences under Nigeria’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws. The allegations remain before the court and have not been proven.
The case follows Bodejo’s arrest by the Nigerian military in January 2024 after the launch of the Fulani vigilante outfit known as Kungiya Zaman Lafiya. Authorities alleged at the time that the group was established without the approval required under Nigerian law and raised concerns that it could pose a threat to national security.
Bodejo was initially detained over allegations linked to the creation of the vigilante group before a Federal High Court ordered his release on bail. The terrorism-related case was later discontinued by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, paving the way for his release after several months in detention.
The fresh charges brought by the EFCC are separate from the earlier proceedings and centre on alleged financial crimes. The anti-graft agency alleges that Bodejo engaged in money laundering and terrorism financing, claims he has denied before the court.
Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore is a national association representing cattle breeders and pastoralist interests in Nigeria. The organisation has frequently featured in national debates over pastoralism, security and farmer-herder relations, issues that also affect parts of the wider West African region.
