The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed fresh charges against the National President of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Bello Abdullahi Bodejo, over alleged N2.53 million terrorism financing and money laundering.
Bodejo was arraigned on Tuesday before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja on a five-count charge. The EFCC accused him of receiving funds suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities and using them to finance terrorism-related activities. The commission alleged that the funds were transferred into his personal account and utilised in ways that contravened the Terrorism (Prevention) Act and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act. Bodejo pleaded not guilty to all charges.
His counsel argued for bail, citing his age and health conditions, while the EFCC opposed the application, describing the defendant as a flight risk. Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter to July 8 for ruling on the bail application. Bodejo was previously arrested by the EFCC in connection with other matters. The latest charges have heightened scrutiny on the activities of herder associations amid ongoing security challenges in parts of the country.
The case has sparked intense public debate, with some viewing it as a necessary crackdown on alleged links between certain groups and insecurity, while others see it as targeted persecution. The EFCC maintains that the charges are based on credible intelligence and financial trails. Legal proceedings are expected to shed more light on the allegations as the matter progresses. The outcome could have significant implications for the regulation of pastoralist associations and broader efforts to combat terrorism financing in Nigeria.
