The House of Representatives has summoned the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, over the alleged detention of Bello Bodejo, the President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.
Parliamentary Resolution
During Thursday’s plenary, the House called for:
- The immediate release of Bello Bodejo from what it described as “unlawful detention.”
- An apology to Bodejo for the alleged violation of his constitutionally guaranteed fundamental human rights.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Mansur Soro, a lawmaker from Bauchi State.
Background
Bodejo was reportedly arrested by officers of the Nigerian Army’s 177 Battalion in Maliya, Nasarawa State, over an incident involving herders and a retired army general in the Tudun Wada area of the state.
According to Suleiman Waziri, Bodejo’s brother, the Miyetti Allah leader has been held for over a week without being arraigned in court, raising concerns about a violation of his fundamental rights.
Soro argued that Bodejo’s detention contravenes Sections 34, 35, and 36 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee human dignity, personal liberty, and the right to fair hearing.
Next Steps
The House has directed the CDS, COAS, and the commanding officer of the 177 Battalion to appear before its committees on Army, Human Rights, and Justice. The meeting is scheduled for next Thursday to address the issue and provide clarity on the matter.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, who presided over the session, approved the motion following a voice vote.
