The Nigerian House of Representatives has summoned military leaders to explain the controversial detention of Bello Bodejo, president of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, a herders’ union.
The resolution passed during Thursday’s plenary called for the “immediate release” of Bodejo from detention and an official apology from the military for violating his constitutional rights.
This decision follows the adoption of an urgent motion by Mansur Soro, a representative from Bauchi State. Soro condemned the actions of the Nigerian military, alleging that Bodejo was arrested in a “commando style” by officers of the 117 battalion in Maliya, Nasarawa State, without prior notice or a court injunction.
“The arrest was conducted in an unlawful manner,” Soro stated during the plenary. “Bodejo was detained in a manner that disregards the basic legal rights granted to all Nigerian citizens under our constitution.”
Bodejo’s arrest has sparked considerable controversy. His family claims the military action was tied to an earlier dispute involving some herders and a retired army general in Tudun Wada, Nasarawa. The incident, which has not been fully explained, has only added to the growing tension surrounding the detention.
Soro’s motion emphasized that, as of a week after his arrest, Bodejo had still not been arraigned in court. This failure to provide legal proceedings, Soro argued, is a clear violation of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, specifically the sections protecting individuals from unlawful detention.
“This ongoing detention is a breach of Bodejo’s fundamental rights,” Soro said. “It violates sections 34, 35, and 36 of our Constitution, which safeguard the personal liberty and right to fair hearing of every Nigerian citizen.”
The Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, led the voice vote that saw the motion pass with widespread support from other lawmakers.
In the resolution, the House has now called upon Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), and Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), to appear before the committees on Army, Human Rights, and Justice on Thursday. The military chiefs will be questioned about the circumstances surrounding Bodejo’s arrest and prolonged detention.
“The failure of the military to provide a lawful explanation for the detention of Bodejo raises serious concerns about the respect for the rule of law in our country,” Abbas stated. “We must ensure that no one, no matter their status, is above the law, and we demand answers.”
The call for accountability has garnered support from various sectors of Nigerian society. Many Nigerians have expressed concern that such actions by the military could set a dangerous precedent, undermining the rule of law and human rights in the country.
“This is not just about one man,” said Aliyu Abubakar, a human rights advocate. “It is about the sanctity of the law and ensuring that our military forces act within the boundaries of the constitution.”
The Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore group, which Bodejo leads, has also voiced its disapproval of the detention, calling it politically motivated.
“This is an attempt to intimidate our leadership and suppress our efforts to protect the interests of herders in Nigeria,” said a spokesperson for the group.
Bodejo’s supporters are now calling for a swift and transparent investigation into the circumstances of his arrest.
“This action cannot be allowed to stand,” said Soro, whose motion has sparked further debate in the House of Representatives. “We must protect the rights of every Nigerian, and that includes ensuring that the military is held accountable for it.”
