Reps Summon CDS, COAS Over Unlawful Detention of Nasarawa Community Leader

• The House of Representatives summoned military chiefs to explain the unlawful detention of Bello Badejo by the 177 Battalion in Nasarawa
• Lawmakers expressed concern over Badejo’s detention without charges, calling it a violation of his fundamental human rights under the Constitution

The House of Representatives on Tuesday summoned the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, to order the immediate release of Bello Badejo, a Nasarawa community leader, who was reportedly detained unlawfully by officers of the 177 Battalion of the Nigerian Army.

This resolution followed adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Mansur Soro, the member representing the Abrazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency in Bauchi State.

The lawmakers also resolved to 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 PM.

The summoned officials are expected to explain why officers under their command allegedly violated provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.

The motion, titled “Urgent need to preserve public order and to intervene in the unlawful arrest and detention of a community leader, Alhaji Bello Badejo by the officers of the 177 Battalion of the Nigerian Army,” highlighted concerns about the military’s overreach.

Soro noted that the Nigerian military’s role, as outlined in federal laws, is to protect the nation’s external and territorial integrity and to assist civil authorities when required.

“On December 9, 2024, a distinguished community leader, Alhaji Bello Badejo, was arrested in Maliya town of Nasarawa State in a commando-style operation by officers of the 177 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, without prior invitation or a court injunction,” Soro said.

He explained that the arrest was allegedly linked to a dispute involving a retired military general and members of the Maliya community.

The House expressed deep concern over Badejo’s continued detention without charges, calling it a breach of his fundamental human rights as enshrined in Sections 34, 35, and 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The lawmakers, therefore, urged the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff to:

1. Order the immediate release of Bello Badejo.
2. Issue an apology to him for infringing on his constitutionally guaranteed rights.

The House also condemned the actions of the 177 Battalion officers, stating that their interference in disputes between citizens undermines the roles of the Nigerian Police and the judiciary.