A non-governmental group, Patriotic Youth for Better Nigeria (PAYOBEN) has condemned the reported detention of the leader of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Badejo, by the Nigerian military and called for his immediate release.
The group in a statement signed by its chairman, Moses Adasu Makurdi, on Tuesday, accused the Nigerian military under the watch of the Chief of Defence Staff of gross abuse of power.
“Bello Badejo’s ordeal is a dangerous precedent that must not stand: Unlawful Detention: Bello Badejo was held for six months without charges, only to be declared innocent before his release. What crime, then, justified his rearrest?”
PAYOBEN queried.
The group, which demanded unconditional release of Bello Badejo, said his continued detention has brought about negative issues ranging from family trauma to health crisis, among others.
” Health Crisis Ignored: After falling seriously ill from the initial detention, Bello Badejo had to be flown to Egypt for treatment. Rearresting a man in fragile health—already on medication—defies all humanity and logic.
” Trauma on Family: His family has been pushed to the brink, emotionally and psychologically. No Nigerian family deserves this torment.
” Violation of the Constitution: Detaining a citizen without trial is unconstitutional, illegal, and unacceptable in any democracy. The Nigerian military is not above the law.
” Damage to Nigeria’s Image: This unlawful act risks denting the credibility of our military and Nigeria’s image locally and internationally.
” Our Demands: Immediate and unconditional release of Bello Badejo; Reunion with his family without further delay; A public explanation for his unlawful rearrest; Urgent intervention by stakeholders, civil society, and the authorities to stop this abuse of power.
“We will not allow this act of injustice to go unchallenged. Nigeria is a nation governed by laws, not brute force. If Bello Badejo is not released, we will mobilize national and international awareness to expose this unconstitutional assault on justice,” the statement added.
