A High Court in Abuja has ordered the immediate release of Alhaji Bello Bodejo, President of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, from detention by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The ruling, delivered on Monday by Justice Mohammed Zubairu, declared Bodejo’s detention, which began on December 9 without formal charges, as unlawful.
The court’s decision came after Reuben Atabo, SAN, representing Bodejo, filed an application for habeas corpus, compelling the respondents—the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and the DSS Director-General—to justify his continued detention.
Justice Zubairu noted that the respondents failed to challenge the application, which he deemed meritorious.
“The applicant is hereby released from the 2nd respondent’s detention,” the judge ruled.
While ordering Bodejo’s release, Justice Zubairu clarified that this decision does not equate to an acquittal. He instructed Bodejo’s counsel to ensure his client’s availability should the DSS or AGF decide to file charges in the future.
The judge also reminded the respondents to adhere strictly to constitutional provisions, warning against any detention that exceeds the legally permissible limits.
