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Court permits DIA to detain Bodejo, 6 others for 60 days
A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an application filed by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) to detain Alhaji Bello Bodejo, President, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, and six others for 60 days pending the conclusion of investigation.
Justice Emeka Nwite gave the order following an ex-parte motion moved by counsel to the DIA, I.O. Odom, seeking the order to detain the seven respondents for the period in the first instance.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the DIA, in the motion ex-parte marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1875/V/2024 had sued Bodejo, Suleiman Abba, Umar Jibrin, Umar Bello, Muhammed Ayuba, Jibrin Baba and Saidu Wakili as 1st to 7th respondents respectively.
The DIA, in the motion dated and filed on Dec. 16 by Mrs N.F. Bala, sought one prayer.
That is “an order of this honourable court enabling the applicant to detain the respondents for a period of sixty (60) days in the first instance pending the conclusion of investigation.”
In the affidavit deposed to by Bonny Ozegbe, an investigating officer with DIA, he said the respondents were arrested by the Nigerian Armed Forces in Nasarawa State and were brought to DIA on Dec. 11 for further investigation regarding the suspected crimes against them and their possible prosecution by the appropriate agency.
Ozegbe alleged that all the respondents were arrested for the alleged offence of banditry and illegal arms possession.
According to him, the preliminary investigation report against the respondents reveals that they were involved in an attack against a military formation deployed to Nasarawa State during an attack on farmers and farmlands within the area.
He said the attack resulted in grievous injuries against personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other civilians as well as carting of arms and ammunition belonging to the military personnel.
“During the operation that led to the arrest of the respondents, several weapons were recovered from the respondents including Ak47 rifles and ammunitions as well as other dangerous weapons.
“The preliminary investigation report also revealed that the 2nd to 7th respondents who were involved in the incident carried out the attacks in Nasarawa State on the instructions of the 1st respondent (Bodejo) who is their leader,” he alleged.
Ozegbe said this was not the first time the Bodejo was being arrested for issues relating to insecurity in the North Central Nigeria.
He said investigation of the alleged crimes against the respondents is still ongoing, including trailing for the arrest of the fleeing accomplices and accessories, hence their safe keeping.
“If the respondents are released into society, there is a likelihood that they will continue to commit same, similar or more serious offences,” he said.
He said if they are released into society, there is a likelihood that they will jump bail and evade trial and that they may also tamper with the ongoing investigation.
“| strongly believe that the respondents pose a grave threat to national security and the entire Nigerian citizenry at large.
“A court order is necessary to remand them in Defence Intelligence Agency’s custody pending the conclusion of their investigation and arraignment in court,” he said.
The official said it would be in the interest of justice to grant a remand order of 60 days in the DIA custody pending the conclusion of their investigation and arraignment in court.
When the matter was called, Odom said he had an ex-parte motion dated Dec. 16.
“What is the nature of this matter?” the judge asked.
Odom said the application sought tye detention of the respondents.
“Why are you detaining them?” the judge asked.
The lawyer said it was on allegations of banditry and illegal possession of fire arms.
The judge asked when were they arrested and Odom said on Dec. 11.
Justice Nwite said Odom had only presented his own side of the story which the respondents may deny.
“Why I am asking this is that you have presented your own side of the story,” he said.
After he was granted the leave to move the motion, the lawyer said the application was filed pursuant to Section 66(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court.
He said it sought an order detaining the respondents for a 60-day period in the first instance, pending the conclusion of investigation.
Delivering the ruling, the judge said after listening to Odom, he found that the application was meritorious.
“The prayer is hereby granted,” he said.
Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until March 3, 2025 for mention.
NAN reports that an FCT High Court, presided over by Justice Mohammed Zubairu, had on Monday, ordered Bodejo’s release from the detention of tye Driartmemt if State Service (DSS).
Justice Zubairu, in a ruling, described Bodejo’s detention since Dec. 9 after his arrest and without being charged to court as unlawful.
Justice Zubairu made the order following an application for the order of habeas corpus subjiciendum moved against the respondents by Bodejo’s lawyer, Reuben Atabo, SAN.
The judge held that the application was meritorious having not been challenged by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and the DSS DG, who were 1st and 2nd respondents in the fundamental right enforcement suit.(NAN)
Nigeria has commenced the Stakeholders’ Consultation in preparation for the 2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR) on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The regional consultation for Nigeria’s 2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR) across the six geopolitical zones was launched in the South West zone, with Lagos State hosting the session.
Held under the theme: “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for leaving no one behind,” the consultation brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo states.
This was contained in a statement issued to the media by the SA Media, OSSAP-SDG, Desmond Utomwen.
Speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, stated that the consultation aims to review Nigeria’s 2024 SDGs progress report. She highlighted key areas of focus, including institutional frameworks, progress on the 17 SDGs, lessons learned, implementation challenges, and key recommendations.
Orelope-Adefulire, who was represented by her Senior Technical Adviser, Dr Bala Yunusa, referenced the Sustainable Development Goals Report (2024), which identified a global lack of progress towards the SDGs, with only 17 percent of targets currently on track. She stressed the need for renewed commitment and transformative actions to accelerate progress towards achieving the goals.
She noted:
“To date, 366 VNRs have been conducted and presented by 191 countries, with 138 countries having conducted more than one VNR. Nigeria has previously presented two VNRs, in 2017 and 2020. This year, Nigeria will present its third VNR alongside 38 other countries.Conceptually, the VNRs are most useful when conducted through an inclusive, broad-based, and participatory process. This is why we are here—to consult widely with key stakeholders across all segments of society.”
She further explained that following the Lagos launch, consultations would be held in Uyo (South South), Enugu (South East), Gombe (North East), Kaduna (North West), and Abuja (North Central), culminating in a National Validation event in Abuja.
Orelope-Adefulire highlighted that since 2016, Nigeria’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) (2017-2020), the Economic Sustainability Plan (2020), the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (2021), and the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2021-2025) have all been aligned with the SDGs. She emphasised that these goals are also embedded in President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In her remarks, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on SDGs, Dr Oreoluwa Finnih, stated that the review is aimed at advancing collective actions to improve Nigeria’s ranking among the top performers in the global SDG framework.
She noted that Lagos State has consistently driven SDG implementation efforts, leveraging evidence-based decision-making to enhance impact.
“The Lagos State Voluntary Local Review (VLR) conducted in 2023 stands as a testament to this commitment, providing periodic assessments of our progress and significantly influencing policies and decisions under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The state’s policies are now more aligned with international development targets, with improved resource allocation, increased inter-agency collaboration, and enhanced participatory governance achieved through the VLR exercise.”
She added that Lagos remains a beacon of subnational leadership in SDG localisation, fostering strategic partnerships and innovative solutions. She described the VNR as a crucial mechanism for SDG implementation, enabling both national and subnational governments to periodically assess progress, identify gaps, strengthen accountability, and promote scalable innovations.
Similarly, the Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on SDGs and Water Resources, Mrs Damilola Otubanjo, underscored the significance of the VNR in ensuring full implementation of the SDGs. She emphasised that the process must represent the interests of all Nigerians, as it highlights key challenges and outlines pathways for Nigeria’s global positioning in sustainable development.
Also speaking at the event, the Director of the Centre for Actualisation of SDGs at Lagos State University (LASU), Professor Tayo Ajayi, noted that since the United Nations launched the SDGs in 2015, Nigeria has mainstreamed them at the national level, with Lagos State playing a pivotal role.
Ajayi stated that since its establishment in 2022, the centre has organised two international conferences on SDG implementation, launched the LASU SDGs Youth Club with over 3,500 members, and is now advancing its efforts through the LASU Sustainability Policy to further institutionalize the SDGs within the university.
By Amos Tauna, Kaduna
The former Governor of Plateau state and Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District, Mr. Simon Bako Lalong, has congratulated Rev. John joseph Hayab on his recent election as the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
In a congratulatory letter to the chairman, Lalong said, “I received with immense joy and gladness the news of your election as the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 Northern states.
“Your well deserved election is a testimony of your commitment to the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and a vindication of your years of labour in the Lord’s vineyard.”
Lalong explained that the chairman of the Northern states has earned through the grace of God, a place of pride within the body of Christ in the northern region, Nigeria and the world at large by his sacrifices, adding that he hà also ensured labour and hardworking in propagating the gospel of salvation and touching humanity positively.
According to the former Governor, “With your election as the Christian Association of Nigeria chairman of the 19 Northern states, l have no doubt that you will bring to bear your capacity to work with all the Christian blocks in protecting the interests of the Christian community and also enhancing peaceful coexistence, respect and collaboration with other Faith’s.”
He prayed that his tenure would usher in more love, prosperity and deepening of the word of God in the region to the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Lalong assured, “Be assured that l shall continue to pray for you and offer support in whatever way the Lord Grant’s me the opportunity.”
As Nigerians observe the sacred periods of Lent and Ramadan, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire has called on citizens to use this time for deep reflection, compassion, and commitment to societal peace and justice.
The Lenten and Ramadan seasons, both marked by fasting, prayer, and acts of charity, offer a unique opportunity to strengthen moral values that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 16, which focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions.
Speaking on the significance of these holy periods, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, emphasised that fasting is not only a spiritual exercise but also a means to cultivate discipline, empathy, and service to humanity. She encouraged Nigerians to extend kindness to the less privileged and work towards building a society free of violence, corruption, and injustice, while promoting an atmosphere for prosperity for the people.
“These sacred periods remind us of the power of self-restraint, forgiveness, and community spirit. As we seek divine blessings and prosperity through prayer and fasting, we must also dedicate ourselves to promoting peace, fairness, and the rule of law,” she stated.
A statement issued by her Special Assistant on Media, Desmond Utomwen noted that Goal 16 of the SDGs highlights the need for inclusive and peaceful societies, access to justice for all, and accountable institutions. By fostering values of honesty, integrity, and reconciliation during Lent and Ramadan, individuals can contribute to national stability and sustainable development.
Princess Orelope-Adefulire further stressed the role of religious and community leaders in advancing these ideals. “Faith leaders have a critical role in shaping attitudes and inspiring positive action. Their messages of peace and tolerance can help unite communities and reduce conflicts,” she said.
The SSAP-SDGs reaffirmed the commitment of her Office to implementing policies and initiatives that uphold justice and human dignity, urging all Nigerians to embrace the spirit of the season beyond religious obligations and work towards a more equitable and peaceful nation.
“As believers observe these periods of fasting and prayer, the call to action remains clear—let the spiritual renewal lead to transformative change in communities, fostering a Nigeria where peace and justice prevail”. She concluded.