A Nigerian court on Wednesday discharged the President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Kore, Alhaji Bello Bodejo, of terrorism charges filed against him by the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).
Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a brief ruling, discharged Bodejo after counsel for the AGF, Aderonke Imana, moved an oral application for the withdrawal of the three-count charge which the lawyer said was according to Section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
She said the request was further predicated on the power of the AGF under Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“Consequently, the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation has instructed me to withdraw this charge against the defendant in the interest of justice.
Bodejo’s team of lawyers, led by Ahmed Raji SAN, did not oppose the application.
The senior lawyer thanked the AGF, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, for his “magnanimous gesture.”
“We urge your lordship to discharge the accused person under the sections referred to by the prosecutor,” Raji said.
Ruling, Justice Ekwo said though the matter was slated for commencement of trial, however, the prosecution applied to withdraw the charge citing relevant sections of the law
“The court is hereby moved to consider the application for the discharge of the defendant. Consequently, an order is hereby made discharging the defendant. That is the order of this court,” the judge declared.
The Miyetti Allah leader, who was arrested on January 23 in Malia, Nasarawa State was charged with raising an armed militia to threaten the country’s unity.
He was in the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency.