By Mercy Aikoye
The House of Representatives has taken a strong stance against the Nigerian Army’s alleged violation of human rights. The House has summoned the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, and the Commanding Officer of the 177 Battalion to appear before its committees on Army, Human Rights, and Justice.
The summons is in response to the alleged unlawful detention of Alhaji Bello Badejo, a community leader in Maliya town, Nassarawa State. According to reports, Badejo was arrested on December 9, 2024, by officers of the 177 battalion in a commando-style operation without prior invitation or court injunction.
The arrest is allegedly connected to a misunderstanding between a retired military general and some members of the Maliya community. However, the continued detention of Badejo without formal charges is a clear violation of his fundamental human rights, as provided for in the Nigerian Constitution.
The House of Representatives has condemned the actions of the 177 Battalion officers, accusing them of attempting to usurp the roles of the Nigerian Police and judiciary in resolving disputes between citizens. The House has called on the military leaders to direct the immediate release of Badejo and issue an apology for infringing upon his human rights.
Presenting the motion before the House, Mansur Manu Soro reminded his colleagues that the 1999 constitution guarantees the fundamental human rights to life and dignity. He emphasized that the laws of the land restrict the operation of the Nigerian military to protecting the external and territorial integrity of Nigeria and acting in aid of the civil authorities.
The House’s decision to summon the military leaders is a significant step towards ensuring that the Nigerian Army operates within the bounds of the law. The move is also a testament to the House’s commitment to upholding human rights and the rule of law in Nigeria.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has been in office since October 2024 ¹. The current Chief of Defence Staff has not been publicly disclosed. The House’s committees on Army, Human Rights, and Justice are expected to grill the military leaders on their actions and ensure that those responsible for the alleged human rights violations are held accountable.
The outcome of the House’s investigation and the military leaders’ response will be closely watched by Nigerians and the international community. The case has sparked widespread outrage and concerns about the Nigerian Army’s respect for human rights and the rule of law.