Lawmakers Demand Release, Apology for Unlawfully Detained Miyetti Allah President

The House of Representatives has summoned Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa and Chief of Army Staff Olufemi Oluyede regarding the alleged arrest of Bello Bodejo, President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.

During Thursday’s plenary session, the parliament directed Musa and Oluyede to ensure Bodejo’s “immediate release” from “unlawful detention” and to apologise for violating his constitutionally guaranteed fundamental human rights.

This resolution was passed after the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Mansur Soro from Bauchi State. Last week, Bodejo’s family reported his arrest and detention by officers of the 117 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Maliya, Nasarawa State. Suleiman Waziri, Bodejo’s brother, stated that he was arrested due to an incident involving some herders and a retired army general in the Tudun Wada area of Nasarawa.

In presenting the motion, Soro claimed that Bodejo was “arrested in a commando style with no prior invitation or court injunction.” He added that Bodejo has not been arraigned in court one week after his arrest and imprisonment.

The legislator argued that Bodejo’s continued detention breaches his fundamental human rights and violates sections 34, 35, and 36 of the 1999 Constitution. The motion was adopted following a voice vote conducted by Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, and the Commanding Officer of the 177 Battalion are required to appear before the committees on Army, Human Rights, and Justice on Thursday.

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