Leaders of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore Fulani Sociocultural Association in various states across Nigeria have held a press conference to express their opposition to the continued detention of their National Leader, Alhaji Bello Bodejo, and called for his unconditional release.
The leaders made the call in a press statement signed by the association’s North-central Chairman, Alhaji Idris Gidado Bebeji.
The Association appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, APC leaders, and relevant security agencies to ensure that the matter is resolved fairly and in accordance with the law.
According to the statement, Bello Bodejo is a prominent leader and advocate for the interests of Fulani pastoralist communities who has contributed to peacebuilding, national unity, and the welfare of pastoralist communities.
The Association said Bodejo was initially arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Jalingo, Taraba State, on the same day he officially declared his intention to contest for the Taraba Central senatorial seat.
It said he was subsequently handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he spent nearly four months in detention.
The statement further said that after Bodejo was said to have met the conditions required for his release from EFCC custody, he was released, but was later re-arrested by DSS officials on August 28, 2026.
The association therefore urged the authorities to review the circumstances surrounding Bodejo’s continued detention and the legal basis for keeping him in custody, while ensuring that the matter is handled fairly and expeditiously.
The association stressed that it was not asking for Bodejo, or any other citizen, to be placed above the law, but rather calling for due process to be followed and for his constitutional rights, dignity, and liberty to be respected.
It also appealed to its members and the wider Fulani pastoralist community to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding while pursuing constitutional and lawful channels with the relevant Government authorities to secure his release.
Speaking at the press conference, Bodejo’s relative, Alhaji Sulaiman Abdullahi, expressed concern over the continued detention of his relative.
He said, “Bodejo has not violated anyone’s rights. He has not taken anyone’s property. There is no truth in the allegations against him.”
He further stated that Bodejo played an important role in the APC’s 2023 election campaign.
According to him, Bodejo organised a Tinubu campaign rally in Nasarawa State which was attended by thousands of Fulani people, and the campaign was also graced by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Sulaiman Abdullahi said there was nothing beneficial that the Tinubu administration and the APC had done for Bodejo, alleging that all he had received was neglect and detention without justification.
He warned that if Bodejo is not released, Fulani communities across the country may reconsider their support for the APC in the 2027 elections.
