An FCT High Court in Abuja has ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to release Bello Bodejo, the detained president of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.
Justice Mohammed Zubairu granted the order following an ex parte motion filed by Bodejo’s counsel, Reuben Atabo. Bodejo was arrested on 9th December by the 117 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Maliya, Nasarawa State, reportedly in connection with an incident involving some herders and a retired army general.
On 19th December, Bodejo, through his legal representatives, filed a suit against the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and the Director-General of the DSS, seeking his release from custody and seeking an order of habeas corpus.
In his ruling, Justice Zubairu acknowledged the DSS’s statutory powers but emphasized that these powers are subject to the constitutional right to be brought before a court within a specified timeframe.
“In a society like ours where we operate constitutional democracy, an individual ought not to be detained beyond the constitutionally guaranteed period without an order of the court,” the judge stated.
“From the available facts, the applicant has not been arraigned before any court since the 9th of December 2024. On this ground, I order the respondents to produce the applicant before this court pending the hearing and determination of the application for habeas corpus, or the respondent should grant the applicant an administrative bail.”
.The judge adjourned the matter to 30th December for a hearing.
