Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Maitama Division, Abuja, has declined to deliver a ruling on the application seeking variation of bail conditions filed by Bello Bodejo.
Bodejo, the leader of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, is currently facing a 12-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering involving $2.33 million, filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The court had earlier, on July 20, 2026, granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦2 billion with two sureties in like sum. The conditions include:
* One surety must own landed property within the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC)
* Submission of tax clearance certificates for 2023–2025
* Deposit of the defendant’s international passport
* Restriction on travel outside the court’s jurisdiction without approval
The court also directed that the Nigeria Immigration Service be notified of the passport seizure.
Unable to meet these stringent conditions, Bodejo, through his counsel M. E. Sheriff, applied for a review, requesting the court to reduce the bail bond to ₦300 million with one surety.
Counsel to the EFCC, Fatai Erewuimi, opposed the request, urging the court to maintain the existing bail conditions in the interest of justice. The prosecution filed a counter-affidavit on July 22, 2026, arguing against any relaxation of the terms.
In his ruling, Justice Ekwo explained that the court’s annual vacation, scheduled to commence on August 3, 2026, would not allow sufficient time to conclude arguments and deliver a decision on the application.
He advised the defence to approach a vacation judge to handle the matter and deliver a ruling, after which the case file would be returned to his court for continuation of trial.
Despite the development, the court maintained the previously scheduled trial dates of October 5, 6, and 7, 2026.
The case continues to draw attention as it progresses, with the outcome of the bail variation application now hinging on a vacation judge’s decision.
