ABUJA, Nigeria The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Thursday arraigned Bello Bodejo, leader of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a 12‑count charge alleging money laundering involving about S2.33 million. Prosecutors accused Bodejo of receiving large cash payments, including S100,000 and S980,000, from a former Bauchi State Accountant‑General without routing the transactions through financial institutions, a violation of Nigeria’s Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act. Bodejo pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Following his plea, EFCC counsel Wahab Shittu urged Justice Inyang Ekwo to remand the defendant in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service, arguing that Bodejo posed a flight risk and could interfere with witnesses. Shittu told the court that the Department of State Services was monitoring the defendant and warned that his influence could affect the progress of the case. Defence counsel Ahmed Raji asked the court to grant bail, citing an application filed in June 2026.
The charges detail alleged cash transactions far above legal thresholds, including a S100,000 payment and a separate S980,000 payment from Sa’idu Abubakar, the former Bauchi Accountant‑General. Nigerian law requires such sums to be processed through financial institutions to prevent illicit transfers, terrorism financing and corruption. The EFCC says the total amount involved in the case is approximately S2.33 million.
The case adds to Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to strengthen financial oversight and enforce anti‑money‑laundering rules, a priority for international partners and global watchdogs. The arraignment is likely to draw attention from civil society groups and security analysts, given Bodejo’s leadership role in a prominent pastoralist association and the sensitivity surrounding financial crimes involving public officials. The court is expected to set a trial date after considering arguments on bail.
