The House of Representatives has directed the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Olufemi Oloyede, to immediately release Bello Badejo, the president of Miyetti Allah, from unlawful detention.
The Green Chamber also summoned Gen. Musa, Lt-Gen. Oloyede, and the Commanding Officer of the 177 Battalion to appear before the House Committees on Army, Human Rights, and Justice on Thursday, December 20, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. to explain why their officers violated the Nigerian Constitution in this matter.
The resolution was adopted following a motion moved on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, by Hon. Mansur Soro. In his motion, Soro detailed that on December 9, 2024, Badejo was arrested in Maliya town, Nasarawa State, in a commando-style operation by officers of the 177 Battalion without a prior invitation or court order. The arrest was reportedly related to a dispute between a retired military general and some members of the Maliya community.
Soro expressed concern that, one week after the arrest, Badejo had not been arraigned in a competent court, which is required by Nigerian law. He argued that the continued detention without formal charges violated Badejo’s fundamental human rights, as guaranteed under Sections 34, 35, and 36 of the Nigerian Constitution.
The House resolved the following:
- Condemn the actions of the officers of the 177 Battalion, who attempted to bypass the Nigerian Police and the courts in resolving disputes.
- Call for the immediate release of Alhaji Bello Badejo from unlawful detention and for an apology to him for the violation of his rights.
- Invite the CDS, COAS, and the Commanding Officer of the 177 Battalion to appear before the House Committees on Army, Human Rights, and Justice on Thursday, December 20, 2024, at 3:00 p.m., to explain why their officers violated constitutional provisions.
