The Federal Government of Nigeria has arraigned the leader of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore group, Bello Bodejo, before a Federal High Court in Abuja over terrorism related offences.
The government accused Bodejo of creating and supporting an ethnic militia group, Kungiya Zaman Lafiya. He is facing a three-count charge filed by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).
The office of the AGF stated that he had violated the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Meanwhile, Bodejo pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Presiding judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo later ordered that he should be detained in the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and adjourned the commencement of trial till May 27.
This action came amid heightened tensions in central Nigeria, where clashes between nomadic herders and settled farmers have killed many lives and displaced many communities.
Previously, the Miyetti Allah association was accused of harbouring sympathizers or even outright members of extremist groups operating in the region. However, MACBAN has consistently debunked these allegations.
Bodejo was nabbed on January 23 at the Miyetti Allah’s office in Karu local government area of Nasarawa State.
