The Fulani community in Nigeria is urgently calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the continued detention of Alhaji Abdullahi Bello Bodejo, the National President of the prominent Fulani socio-cultural group, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore. The leader, who has been in custody for over a month, faces what the community calls “illegal and unconstitutional” treatment at the hands of Nigerian authorities.
In a letter addressed to the president and signed by Mohammed Tasiu Suleiman, the group’s Publicity Secretary, the Fulani leadership expressed grave concerns over the circumstances surrounding Bodejo’s detention. They claimed that his ongoing imprisonment violates both constitutional rights and the ruling of a Federal High Court which called for his immediate release.
Bodejo, a vocal supporter of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), was arrested on December 9, 2024, by officers of the Nigerian Army’s 177 Battalion in Keffi, Nasarawa State. After his arrest, Bodejo was transferred through multiple security agencies, including the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and the Department of State Services (DSS). Despite these extended detentions, he has not been formally charged with any crime, sparking widespread concerns about the legality of his confinement.
In a December 30, 2024 ruling, Justice Mohammed Zubairu of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court ruled that Bodejo’s detention was unlawful and ordered his immediate release. However, just a day later, on December 31, 2024, Bodejo was re-arrested under unclear circumstances, and his detention has continued despite the court’s clear order.
“We are deeply troubled by the unlawful detention of our leader, which not only flouts the judicial ruling but also undermines the rule of law in Nigeria,” said Suleiman in the letter. “This act is not only an affront to the Fulani community but also to the constitutional principles of justice and fairness.”
The Fulani leadership is particularly alarmed by the lack of transparency and formal charges surrounding Bodejo’s arrest, which they claim is linked to his political involvement in the 2023 elections. The community pointed out that Bodejo had been a key supporter of the APC during the election campaign, a factor they believe should have shielded him from such treatment.
“It is baffling that someone who played a significant role in supporting the government is now treated as a criminal without any substantiated allegations,” Suleiman added. “Is this the reward for loyalty to the APC? Our community seeks answers.”
The situation has taken a personal toll on Bodejo, who is reported to be in poor health. The Miyetti Allah group emphasized that Bodejo had previously been hospitalized abroad for medical reasons and requires urgent care, which is not being provided during his detention.
“We are deeply concerned about his health. His condition is worsening, and we fear that without proper medical attention, it could take a grave turn,” Suleiman stated, urging President Tinubu to consider the humanitarian aspect of the situation.
The Fulani community has a long history of promoting peace, with Bodejo at the forefront of advocating for unity and understanding among various ethnic groups in Nigeria. His leadership has extended beyond politics, with Bodejo also known for his philanthropic work, particularly in promoting educational and economic opportunities for Fulani communities.
“It is incomprehensible that someone with such a reputation for peace and goodwill is being treated this way,” Suleiman remarked. “This is a man who has contributed significantly to the welfare of his people and has supported national efforts in the interest of unity.”
The community also noted the broader context of rising ethnic tensions, particularly in light of a recent incident involving the military’s seizure of cattle from individuals allegedly involved in an attack against a retired general. The Fulani leadership questioned why Bodejo, a well-known advocate for peace, was being implicated in the matter. They also expressed frustration over the lack of clarity about why their leader was being linked to criminal activity without any evidence.
“The government’s actions seem contradictory,” Suleiman observed. “While people connected to violent incidents are arrested and punished, why is our leader, who has always championed peace, being targeted? This sends a dangerous message to the Fulani community.”
The Miyetti Allah group reiterated its loyalty to President Tinubu and his administration, but they warned that the prolonged detention of their leader could create a rift between the Fulani community and the government. The Fulani have historically been an important political constituency, and the group expressed hope that their grievances would be heard before tensions escalated further.
“We have always been supportive of your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda, Mr. President,” the letter stated. “But we implore you to take swift action on this matter to avoid further discontent within our community. We hope that the newly created Ministry of Livestock Development will help resolve some of the issues facing us, but we cannot move forward without the release of our leader.”
The letter concluded with a call for immediate intervention by President Tinubu to ensure that the rule of law is upheld and that justice is served. It urged the president to take decisive action to release Bodejo from detention and to provide clarity on the legal grounds for his imprisonment, if any exist.
The situation remains tense as the Fulani community waits for a response from the government. With the backing of their supporters, the group remains hopeful that the president will act swiftly to resolve the matter and restore confidence in the government’s commitment to constitutional principles.
“We trust in your leadership, Mr. President,” the Miyetti Allah statement ended. “We hope that you will act in accordance with the law and ensure that justice is done. The Fulani community stands with you, but we need your intervention to secure our future in this country.”
