The Nigerian House of Representatives has summoned top military officials over allegations of rights violations in a case that has sparked nationwide outrage.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), and the Commanding Officer of the 177 Battalion are to appear before the House’s Committees on Army, Human Rights, and Justice on Thursday, December 20.
The summons follows serious concerns raised about the unlawful detention of Alhaji Bello Badejo, a respected community leader from Nassarawa State, by soldiers of the 177 Battalion.
The military is accused of overstepping its constitutional boundaries by intervening in what should have been a civil dispute, a role reserved solely for the Nigerian Police and the courts.
The House session began with a motion calling for urgent action. Lawmakers condemned the military’s actions and demanded the immediate release of Badejo, who was reportedly detained without charge.
The motion, titled “Urgent need to preserve public order and intervene in the unlawful arrest and detention of a community leader,” was moved by Mr. Soro, a lawmaker from Bauchi.
“On December 9, 2024, Alhaji Bello Badejo was arrested in a commando-style operation by officers of the 177 Battalion in Maliya town, Nassarawa State,” Mr. Soro said, adding that there was no prior invitation or court order before the arrest.
The lawmaker further explained that the arrest occurred amid a dispute between a retired military general and some members of the Maliya community, though details surrounding the misunderstanding remain unclear.
Mr. Soro emphasized that one week had passed since Badejo’s arrest, and yet he had not been arraigned before any court, as required by Nigerian law.
“The continued detention of Bello Badejo by officers of the Nigerian Army, without formal charges, is a clear violation of his fundamental human rights,” Mr. Soro argued.
The Constitution of Nigeria guarantees rights such as freedom from unlawful detention, but the military’s involvement in the case has raised serious concerns about abuse of power.
The House expressed its deep concern over the infringement of rights and called for accountability within the military. The motion garnered overwhelming support from members.
“We must not allow the military to operate beyond its legal limits,” said one lawmaker, adding that such actions set a dangerous precedent.
The motion also highlighted that the Nigerian military’s role is to safeguard the country’s borders and act in support of civil authorities, not to handle civil disputes. The intrusion into civilian matters by the military has been seen by many as a disturbing misuse of power.
The House resolution demands not only the immediate release of Alhaji Bello Badejo but also an apology from the Nigerian Army for violating his constitutional rights.
The call for an apology was strongly echoed by several lawmakers, who pointed out that the military’s actions tarnish its reputation and erode public trust in its role within the nation.
“This is not just an issue of one man’s rights being violated. It is about the broader principle of ensuring that no individual or institution is above the law,” said another member of the House.
The military has yet to respond publicly to the summons, and there are growing calls for transparency and accountability.
Human rights groups have also voiced strong support for the motion, condemning the military’s actions as a breach of the basic rights of citizens.
According to legal experts, the Constitution of Nigeria provides clear guidelines on the roles of security forces, and any violation of these guidelines is a serious offense. The ongoing detention of Badejo without a charge has only deepened concerns about the military’s involvement in domestic matters.
Badejo’s case has drawn widespread attention, and the pressure is mounting for the military to release him and offer a public apology.
As the House of Representatives prepares to meet again on December 20, all eyes are on the military chiefs and whether they will comply with the demands made by the lawmakers.
