The House of Representatives 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 on Thursday, December 20. The summons follows the alleged unlawful detention of Alhaji Bello Badejo, a community leader in Maliya, Nasarawa State.
The resolution came after an urgent motion sponsored by Mansur Soro, the lawmaker representing Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency in Bauchi State. Titled “Urgent Need to Preserve Public Order and Intervene in the Unlawful Arrest and Detention of Alhaji Bello Badejo,” the motion condemned the military’s overreach in civil matters.
Mr. Soro recounted that on December 9, 2024, Alhaji Bello Badejo was arrested in “commando style” by officers of the 177 Battalion without prior notice or a court injunction. The arrest reportedly stemmed from a dispute involving a retired military general and members of the Maliya community.
The House expressed concern over the continued detention of Badejo without formal charges, describing it as a violation of his fundamental rights under Sections 34, 35, and 36 of the Nigerian Constitution.
Lawmakers unanimously supported the motion, calling on the Army leadership to immediately release Badejo, tender a public apology, and ensure strict adherence to constitutional provisions.
The House further criticized the Army for usurping the roles of the police and the courts in resolving civil disputes, urging the military to focus on its constitutional duties of safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
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