Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted bail to Bello Bodejo, national president of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, in the sum of ₦2 billion.
Bodejo is standing trial on a 12-count money laundering charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The court set two sureties in like sum as a condition for his release.
Justice Ekwo ruled that both sureties must be responsible persons, and at least one must own landed property within the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), the local authority that oversees Nigeria’s federal capital territory.
One of the sureties must also present tax clearance certificates covering 2023, 2024 and 2025.
The court’s Registrar must verify all documents and particulars before the bail conditions are considered satisfied.
Bodejo leads Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, one of Nigeria’s largest herders’ associations, a position that gives him significant influence over cattle-rearing communities across the country.
Bail Conditions And Travel Restrictions
Beyond the sureties, the court ordered Bodejo to deposit his travel documents with the registry.
The Registrar was directed to notify the Nigeria Immigration Service of the passport seizure.
Bodejo is barred from leaving Nigeria or travelling beyond the court’s jurisdiction without prior permission from the judge.
Conditions like these are common in high-value financial crime cases, where courts try to prevent defendants from fleeing while trial is ongoing.
Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter until October 5, 6 and 7, 2026, for continuation of trial.
The Case Against Bodejo
Bodejo was first arraigned on July 9, 2026, when the EFCC brought the 12-count charge against him.
The case centres on allegations of money laundering involving $2.33 million.
The EFCC is Nigeria’s lead anti-graft agency, responsible for investigating and prosecuting financial crimes such as money laundering, fraud and corruption.
Money laundering charges generally allege that a defendant disguised the source of illegally obtained funds by moving them through legitimate-looking channels.
Bodejo has not been convicted, and the allegations against him remain untested before the court.
His trial is due to resume in October, when the prosecution and defence return before Justice Ekwo.
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