DSS Arrests Miyetti Allah Chairman
The Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly taken the National President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Bodejo, back into custody shortly after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) released him on Friday.
Bodejo was said to have been released from EFCC custody after his lawyers completed the requirements attached to the bail granted by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
However, his freedom was reportedly short-lived as DSS operatives allegedly intercepted him as he was leaving the EFCC headquarters.
The development has raised concerns among Bodejo’s family and legal team, particularly because the court had already granted him bail and his family said the required conditions had been fulfilled.
Bodejo’s wife, Hauwa, reportedly expressed confusion over the fresh detention, saying the family had expected him to leave the EFCC premises after the bail process was completed.
According to her account, DSS operatives were already stationed around the EFCC headquarters for several hours before Bodejo was released.
She said the EFCC had contacted his lawyers on Thursday night and asked them to come to its Abuja office on Friday to complete the process.
The legal team was initially expected to appear with court officials to facilitate Bodejo’s release.
However, the lawyers were later informed that the presence of court officials was not required because documents showing that the bail conditions had been completed had already been submitted.
Hauwa said members of Bodejo’s family also arrived at the EFCC office as the release process was taking place.
She said they saw Bodejo brought out of custody and believed he was finally going home.
However, she alleged that DSS operatives moved in shortly afterwards and took Bodejo away from the premises in three vehicles.
The reported rearrest has also led to renewed concerns about Bodejo’s health.
His wife alleged that his condition had worsened during his period in detention and that his personal doctor had faced difficulties in gaining access to him.
She further claimed that Bodejo had been held for almost three months and questioned why he would remain in custody after a Federal High Court had granted him bail and the conditions had reportedly been met.
As of the time of the report, the DSS had not publicly stated why Bodejo was taken into custody again after his release from the EFCC.
Bodejo is currently facing a 12-count money laundering case filed by the EFCC before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The EFCC accused the Miyetti Allah leader of receiving several cash payments, including amounts of $200,000, $100,000 and $980,000, from former Bauchi State Accountant-General Sa’idu Abubakar.
The anti-graft agency alleged that the transactions violated provisions of Nigeria’s Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
On July 20, Justice Ekwo granted Bodejo bail set at N2 billion. The court also required a surety to enter into a N2 billion bond on his behalf.
The judge ordered that the surety must have a three-year tax clearance certificate and own property in Abuja valued at N2 billion.
Bodejo was also directed to submit his international passport and remain within Nigeria unless the court gives him permission to travel.
The court has scheduled October 5, 6 and 7, 2026, for the continuation of the trial.
The latest detention is not Bodejo’s first encounter with the DSS.
The agency arrested him in January 2024 over the creation of a vigilante group in Nasarawa State.
He was later released after a court order in December 2024. The court had ruled that his continued detention at the time was unlawful.
