$2.5m Terrorism Financing: EFCC Files 12-Count Charge against Bello Bodejo

Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Bello Bodejo on charges of terrorism financing and money laundering, involving approximately $2.53 million. The commission has filed a 12-count charge at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Bodejo allegedly received substantial amounts of foreign currency, which the EFCC claims are proceeds of unlawful activities. These actions contravene Nigeria's Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Acts of 2011 and 2022. The charges detail several instances of receiving large cash payments, including $100,000 on January 11, 2022, and $500,000 on March 20, 2024, from a former Bauchi State Accountant-General, Sa’idu Abubakar.

These transactions reportedly exceeded the statutory cash transaction threshold without being routed through a financial institution. One count specifically mentions Bodejo taking possession of $980,000 in Abuja on February 7, 2024, under circumstances suggesting knowledge of the funds being proceeds of money laundering. The EFCC stated that Bodejo is expected to enter his plea in the coming days.

Controversy has also surrounded the prosecution of Ufoma Immanuel, Managing Director of Intermediate Investment Holdings Limited (IIHL), by the EFCC. Claims suggest this dispute originated from a commercial transaction between business partners and is subject to foreign legal proceedings.

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Bodejo, alleged to be connected with Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, is expected to take his plea before the court in the coming days as the commission commences formal proceedings.