The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to the National President of Miyetti Allah Kauta Hore, Bello Bodejo, in the sum of N2 billion as he prepares to face trial over alleged money laundering charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Delivering his ruling on Monday, Justice Inyang Ekwo approved Bodejo’s bail application and imposed stringent conditions aimed at ensuring his availability throughout the trial.

Under the bail terms, the court directed that two sureties must provide guarantees in the same amount of N2 billion each. One of the sureties must be an Abuja resident and present evidence of tax clearance covering the last three years. The second surety is required to own landed property valued at not less than N2 billion within the Federal Capital Territory.

Justice Ekwo further ordered Bodejo to surrender his international passport to the court registrar and prohibited him from travelling outside Nigeria without obtaining prior approval from the court.

In his ruling, the judge noted that the charges against the Miyetti Allah leader were bailable offences and held that the court possessed the discretion to grant bail under the law.

Following the ruling, Justice Ekwo fixed October 5, 6 and 7 for the commencement of trial.

Bodejo had been remanded in EFCC custody on July 9 after he was arraigned before the court on allegations bordering on money laundering.

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The anti-graft agency, represented by senior advocate Wahab Shittu, filed the charge on June 25, naming Bodejo as the sole defendant in the case.

At the arraignment, the charges were read to the Miyetti Allah president, who pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Following the plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and sought an order remanding the defendant pending the hearing of the case.

Counsel to the defendant, Ahmed Raji, SAN, informed the court that a bail application had already been filed on behalf of his client. Arguing the motion dated June 30, Raji maintained that the alleged offences were bailable under the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and urged the court to exercise its discretion in favour of the defendant.

The prosecution, however, opposed the application, insisting that the court should decline the request for bail.

Despite the objection, the court ruled in favour of Bodejo, granting him bail while setting the stage for a full trial later in the year.