An Abuja High Court has ordered the immediate release of Alhaji Bello Bodejo, President of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Delivering the ruling on Monday, Justice Mohammed Zubairu declared Bodejo’s detention, which began on December 9 without formal charges, as unlawful.
The decision followed a habeas corpus application filed by Reuben Atabo, SAN, on behalf of Bodejo, compelling the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and the DSS Director-General to justify his prolonged detention.
Justice Zubairu observed that the respondents failed to counter the application, thereby validating its merits.
“The applicant is hereby released from the 2nd respondent’s detention,” the judge ruled.
However, Justice Zubairu clarified that the release does not equate to an acquittal and instructed Bodejo’s legal team to ensure his availability should charges be filed against him in the future.
The judge further emphasized the importance of adhering to constitutional guidelines, warning against detentions that exceed legally permissible limits.
