The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a 12-count charge against Bello Abdullahi Bodejo, President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, over allegations of terrorism financing and money laundering involving approximately $2.53 million.
According to the anti-graft agency, the charges were filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged financial transactions believed to be linked to proceeds of unlawful activities. The case is expected to become one of Nigeria’s most closely watched terrorism financing prosecutions in recent years.
The EFCC alleges that Bodejo accepted and possessed large sums of foreign currency in cash between 2022 and subsequent periods without routing the transactions through financial institutions, contrary to provisions of Nigeria’s Money Laundering laws. Prosecutors claim the transactions exceeded the legal cash threshold and involved funds reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
One of the charges specifically alleges that Bodejo accepted a cash payment of $100,000 from Sa’idu Abubakar, a former Accountant-General of Bauchi State who is currently in police custody, rather than processing the transaction through a financial institution as required by law. The EFCC says similar transactions form part of the 12-count charge now before the court.
The Commission stated that the alleged offences violate both the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. If convicted, the accused could face significant legal penalties under Nigeria’s anti-money laundering framework.
Bodejo is expected to enter his plea before the Federal High Court in Abuja when formal arraignment begins. As of now, the court has not determined his guilt or innocence, and the allegations remain unproven until tested through the judicial process.
The case carries major political and security implications because Bodejo heads Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, a prominent Fulani socio-cultural association that has frequently featured in national debates over insecurity, farmer-herder conflicts, and internal security policies. The prosecution is therefore likely to attract intense public and political scrutiny as proceedings continue.
Political observers say the outcome of the trial could influence future government efforts to combat terrorism financing and strengthen financial oversight. It may also shape public confidence in Nigeria’s ability to investigate and prosecute high-profile individuals regardless of their political or social standing.
The EFCC has maintained that the prosecution is based on evidence gathered during its investigation and says it will present its case before the court. The defence will have the opportunity to challenge the allegations as the trial proceeds, with the judiciary expected to determine the matter based solely on the evidence presented.
