The House of Representatives has called for the immediate release of Bello Badejo, who is currently being held in what they have termed “unlawful detention” by the Nigerian Army.
The resolution to demand his release was passed during plenary on Tuesday following a motion raised by Hon. Mansur Soro, who condemned the violation of Badejo’s fundamental human rights.
Soro, while moving the motion, emphasized that the continued detention of Badejo violated Sections 34, 35, and 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended. He noted, “The continued detention of Bello Badejo without formal charges violates Sections 34, 35, and 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.”
The motion followed the arrest of Badejo on December 9, 2024, in Maliya town, Nasarawa State, by officers from the 177 Battalion of the Nigerian Army. The arrest was reportedly carried out in a commando-style operation without prior invitation or court injunction. Soro explained that the arrest stemmed from a dispute involving a retired military general and members of the Maliya community. However, he raised concerns that “one week after the arrest, Badejo is yet to be arraigned before a competent court of jurisdiction, as required by extant laws.”
In response, the House of Representatives has summoned top military officials to appear before its committees on Thursday, December 20, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. Among those invited are the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa; the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Olufemi Oloyede; and the Commanding Officer of the 177 Battalion. The lawmakers have insisted that the military issue a formal apology to Badejo for the infringement on his rights.
“The military’s actions amount to a blatant disregard for constitutional provisions that safeguard the fundamental human rights of Nigerian citizens,” said Soro. Lawmakers strongly supported the motion, with many calling for accountability and the protection of citizens’ rights against arbitrary detention by security agencies.
One lawmaker remarked, “No institution, including the military, is above the law. The constitution must be respected, and the rule of law upheld,” emphasizing the need for adherence to constitutional principles. The House of Representatives also resolved to condemn the actions of the 177 Battalion, stating that the officers had overstepped by attempting to take on the role of the Nigerian Police and the courts in resolving disputes between citizens.
The lawmakers have vowed to hold the military accountable and reiterated that they would not tolerate any violations of human rights. The motion concluded with a call for the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Commanding Officer of the 177 Battalion to appear before the House Committees on Army, Human Rights, and Justice to explain why their officers had breached the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.
