Again, Court Orders DSS to Release Miyetti Allah Leader Bello Bodejo

A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has ordered the immediate release of Bello Bodejo, president of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). The ruling was delivered after the court determined his detention without arraignment was unlawful.

During Monday’s session, Bodejo’s counsel, Reuben Atabo, informed the court that the DSS had failed to comply with an earlier directive to either charge Bodejo to court or release him. Presiding Judge Mohammed Zubairu described Bodejo’s detention since his arrest on December 9 as unconstitutional and granted the application for habeas corpus brought against the DSS and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

In his ruling, the judge stated, “The applicant is hereby released from the 2nd respondent’s detention.” The decision came after the respondents failed to challenge the application, reinforcing its merit.

Bodejo was reportedly arrested by officers of the Nigerian Army’s 117 Battalion in Maliya, Nasarawa State, following an incident involving herders and a retired army general in the Tudun Wada area. His family disclosed the arrest and subsequent transfer to DSS custody.

On December 19, Bodejo filed a lawsuit challenging his continued detention, demanding either his release or arraignment. Judge Zubairu, in an interim ruling on December 24, had emphasized that detaining Bodejo without arraignment violated constitutional provisions. He ordered the DSS to either produce Bodejo in court or grant him administrative bail, setting December 30 for further hearing.

At Monday’s hearing, the DSS presented Bodejo in court. His counsel, Atabo, moved a motion reiterating the need for the court to enforce Bodejo’s release, arguing that the DSS had not filed any opposition to their application. The judge agreed, ruling in favor of Bodejo’s release while Atabo assured the court that his client would be available whenever required for trial.

DSS counsel A.M. Danlami acknowledged the absence of a counter-affidavit and requested that the court ensure Bodejo remains available should charges be filed against him.