The Arewa for Justice Assembly has issued a strong condemnation of the re-arrest and detention of Bello Badejo, leader of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, by the Nigerian military.
The group described the development as unjust, unconstitutional, and inhumane, citing it as a gross violation of human rights and democratic principles.
Badejo, who has been facing severe health challenges, was reportedly seized from his cattle farm despite being previously detained for six months without charges and subsequently declared innocent. His re-arrest has sparked widespread outrage over allegations of human rights violations and disregard for the rule of law.
In a statement signed by Comrade Musa Garba Yola, leader of the Arewa for Justice Assembly, the group criticised the military’s actions, noting that they inflicted trauma on Badejo’s family and tarnished Nigeria’s image locally and internationally.
The group emphasised that detaining Badejo, especially in his fragile condition, represents a betrayal of justice and fairness. They demanded his immediate and unconditional release while urging relevant authorities and stakeholders to intervene to ensure justice is served.
The statement read, “The Arewa for Justice Assembly condemns in the strongest terms the unjust, unconstitutional, and illegal detention of Bello Badejo by the Nigerian military.
“This blatant abuse of power not only violates his fundamental human rights but has also inflicted untold trauma on his family and tarnished the image of the Nigerian military.
“Bello Badejo, who was earlier detained for six months without any charges and subsequently declared innocent, was already battling serious health complications, so severe that he had to be flown to Egypt for treatment.
“It is shocking and inhumane that, despite his fragile health, the military rearrested him on his cattle farm.
“This action by the military is a flagrant defiance of constitutional provisions and a stain on the principles of justice and fairness that Nigeria claims to uphold.
“Detaining a citizen without charges or access to the courts is a gross violation of the law and cannot be tolerated in a democratic society.
“The Arewa for Justice Assembly categorically rejects this illegal act and demands the immediate and unconditional release of Bello Badejo.
“We also call for his urgent reunion with his family, who have endured unwarranted emotional and psychological distress.
“The military’s continued mistreatment of Bello Badejo poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s image both locally and internationally.
“It is imperative that the Nigerian military acts within the confines of the law to restore confidence in its operations and leadership.
“This matter is not just about Bello Badejo; it is about the principles of justice, fairness, and respect for the rule of law in Nigeria.
“We will not allow the rights of Northern Nigerians or any citizen to be trampled upon in this manner. Justice must prevail. Release Bello Badejo now.”
The group further warned that such actions undermine public trust in Nigeria’s military and legal systems, jeopardising the country’s democratic principles. It called for a renewed commitment to the rule of law and insisted that the rights of all citizens, including those in Northern Nigeria, must be upheld.
