Bello Bodejo
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is preparing to arraign the President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Bodejo, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations involving money laundering and terrorism financing totaling approximately $2.53 million.
According to court documents filed by the anti-graft agency, Bodejo is facing a 12-count charge related to the alleged unlawful receipt and possession of large sums of foreign currency suspected to be proceeds of illegal activities.
The charges, filed on June 22, 2026, accuse the Miyetti Allah leader of receiving substantial cash payments outside the formal banking system, contrary to provisions of Nigeria’s anti-money laundering laws.
In a statement issued by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the commission alleged that Bodejo received multiple cash payments from a former Accountant-General of Bauchi State, Sa’idu Abubakar, in amounts exceeding the legal threshold allowed under Nigerian law.
One of the charges alleges that on January 11, 2022, Bodejo knowingly accepted $100,000 in cash from Abubakar in Abuja without processing the transaction through a recognized financial institution as required by law.
The EFCC further claimed that he received an additional $200,000 in cash from the same source on January 21, 2022.
Investigators also alleged that Bodejo accepted $980,000 in physical cash on February 7, 2024, while another transaction reportedly involved the receipt of $500,000 on March 20, 2024.
According to the anti-corruption agency, the transactions contravened provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, as amended, and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Beyond the allegations relating to cash transactions, the commission accused Bodejo of knowingly possessing funds suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
The EFCC maintains that the defendant either knew or reasonably ought to have known that some of the funds in his possession originated from illegal sources.
The commission argues that the offences are punishable under various sections of Nigeria’s anti-money laundering laws and has vowed to pursue the matter in court.
The case is expected to attract widespread public attention due to Bodejo’s position as the leader of one of Nigeria’s prominent socio-cultural organizations and the inclusion of allegations connected to terrorism financing.
However, under Nigerian law, the allegations remain unproven, and Bodejo is presumed innocent unless and until a competent court finds him guilty.
The Federal High Court is expected to fix a date for his arraignment, where he will formally respond to the charges brought against him.
The EFCC says the prosecution forms part of its broader efforts to strengthen the fight against financial crimes and ensure compliance with anti-money laundering regulations across the country.
More details are expected to emerge as court proceedings commence in the coming days.
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