The Federal High Court in Abuja has authorized the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) to detain Alhaji Bello Bodejo, President of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, and six others for 60 days to facilitate investigations into allegations of banditry and illegal arms possession.
Justice Emeka Nwite granted the request after an ex-parte motion by DIA counsel I.O. Odom. The case, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/1875/V/2024, sought a two-month detention period for a detailed investigation.
The suspects, apprehended in Nasarawa State on December 11, include Bodejo, Suleiman Abba, Umar Jibrin, Umar Bello, Muhammed Ayuba, Jibrin Baba, and Saidu Wakili. They were handed over to the DIA by Nigerian Armed Forces personnel after their arrests.
An affidavit from DIA investigator Bonny Ozegbe alleged the suspects’ involvement in a December 11 attack on a military base in Nasarawa State. The assault, reportedly led by Bodejo, caused injuries to soldiers and civilians, theft of military weapons, and substantial property damage.
Recovered items included AK-47 rifles and ammunition. The affidavit highlighted the need to detain the suspects, stating, “Releasing the suspects could jeopardise the investigation and pose a serious threat to national security.”
Justice Nwite approved their detention in DIA custody until March 3, 2025, when the case will be reviewed.
Separately, Justice Mohammed Zubairu of the FCT High Court ruled that Bodejo’s earlier detention by the Department of State Services (DSS) without charges was unlawful and ordered his release.
