Miyetti Allah president arraigned, remanded over alleged $2.63m money laundering

● Court orders Bello Bodejo in EFCC custody, adjourns bail ruling to July 20

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday ordered Alhaji Bello Bodejo, National President of Miyetti Allah Kauta Kore, remanded in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over alleged money laundering to the tune of $2.63 million.

Justice Inyang Ekwo gave the order after Bodejo pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge filed by the EFCC. The judge adjourned the case to July 20, 2026 for ruling on his bail application.

—The charges–

According to the charge dated June 24 and filed June 25, Bodejo allegedly received large cash payments in US dollars from Sa’idu Abubakar, former Accountant-General of Bauchi State, who is currently in police custody.

Prosecutors said the transactions occurred between January 2022 and March 2024 in Abuja, and all exceeded the statutory cash threshold of N5 million without passing through a financial institution — a breach of the Money Laundering Acts.

The breakdown includes:
– Jan. 11, 2022: $100,000
– Jan. 21, 2022: $200,000
– Oct. 26, 2022: $100,000
– Feb. 7, 2024: $980,000
– March 3, 2024: $750,000
– March 20, 2024: $500,000

The EFCC said the offences contravene Section 16 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 and Section 19 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

—Courtroom arguments—

EFCC counsel, Wahab Shittu, SAN, asked the court to remand Bodejo and fix a trial date.

Bodejo’s lawyer, Ahmed Raji, SAN, moved a bail application filed on June 30, arguing that money laundering offences under the ACJA are bailable.

But Shittu opposed the request with a 28-paragraph counter affidavit. He told the court Bodejo had previously been “a guest at the Department of State Services for other offences” and warned he could commit further offences or influence witnesses if released.

On claims of ill-health, Shittu said the injury cited was not recent and the defendant “was not looking unhealthy.” He urged that if bail must be granted, it should be on stringent conditions.

Kano prepares to host second Nigeria Hajj-Umrah Expo

After hearing both sides, Justice Ekwo ordered Bodejo remanded in EFCC custody pending the bail ruling.

—What happens next—

The matter returns on July 20* for the court’s decision on bail, after which trial dates are expected to be set.

Bodejo, pictured as National President of Miyetti Allah Kauta Kore, remains in detention as the anti-graft agency prepares to open its case.