House of Reps demands release of Miyetti Allah leader, summons military chiefs

The House of Representatives has summoned Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, and Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, concerning the reported arrest and detention of Bello Bodejo, President of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.

During Thursday’s plenary session, the House directed both military chiefs to secure Bodejo’s “immediate release” and issue an apology for what was described as a violation of his fundamental human rights.

This decision came after the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance raised by Mansur Soro, a lawmaker from Bauchi State.

Soro stated that Bodejo had been arrested by officers of the 117 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Maliya, Nasarawa State, over a reported altercation involving herders and a retired army general in the Tudun Wada area.

Soro condemned the manner of the arrest, describing it as “commando-style,” and criticized the military for not following due process, including obtaining a court order or issuing a formal invitation before detaining Bodejo.

The lawmaker said Bodejo has remained in custody for over a week without being arraigned in court, a situation which he argued violates sections 34, 35, and 36 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees personal liberty, dignity, and a fair hearing.

The Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, put the motion to a voice vote, which was overwhelmingly supported.

The resolution mandates the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, and the Commanding Officer of the 177 Battalion to appear before the committees on Army, Human Rights, and Justice to explain the circumstances surrounding Bodejo’s detention.