Reps Call For Release Of Fulani Community Leader Badejo Arrested By Nigerian Army
By Juliet Vincent
The House of Representatives has called for the release of the Fulani community leader, Alhaji Bello Badejo who was allegedly arrested by personnel of the 177 battalion of the Nigerian Army from Maliya community of Nasarawa State.
Rep. Mansur Manu Soro move the motion on urgent public importance at the Plenary on Tuesday on the need to restore public order, saying that the continued detention of Badejo and not taking him to Court was a violation of his fundamental human rights.
Presenting the motion, he said that, the laws of the Federation restricted the operation of the Nigerian military to protecting the external and territorial integrity of Nigeria and acting in aid of the civil authorities.
He said, “On the 9th of December 2024, a distinguished community leader in person of Alh. Bello Badejo was arrested in Maliya town of Nasarawa State in a commando style by the officers of the 177 battalion of the Nigerian Army with no prior invitation or court injunction”.
According to the lawmaker, the arrest is allegedly in connection to a misunderstanding between a retired military general and some members of the Maliya community.
Rep. Soro added, “One week after the arrest, Alh Bello Badejo is yet to be arraigned before a competent court of jurisdiction as required by the extant laws of the land.
“The continued detention of Alh Bello Badejo by officers of the Nigerian Army without formal charge(s) is a violation of his fundamental human rights as provided for, in sections 34, 35 and 36 of the Constitution of the FRN, 1999 as amended,” he said.
The House adopted the motion and condemn the attempt by the officers of 177 battalion to take over the work of the Nigerian Police and the courts in resolving disputes between citizens.
It called on the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff to order the immediate release of Alh Bello Badejo from unlawful detention and to also apologize to him for infringing on his constitutionally-guaranteed fundamental human rights.
It also resolved to invite the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff and the Commanding Officer of 177 battalion to cause an appearance before the House Committees on Army, Human Rights and Justice on Thursday 20th December 2024 at 3:00pm to explain why officers under their command violated the relevant provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.
The House mandates its Committee on Army to investigate and report back for further legislative action.
