Reps summon CDS, army chief over ‘arrest’ of Miyetti Allah president

The house of representatives has summoned Christopher Musa, chief of defence staff (CDS), and Olufemi Oluyede, chief of army staff (COAS), over the alleged arrest of Bello Bodejo, president of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.

During Tuesday’s plenary, the parliament asked Musa and Olufemi to order the “immediate release” of Badejo from “unlawful detention and apologise to him for infringing on his constitutionally guaranteed fundamental human rights”.

The resolution was passed following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Mansur Soro from Bauchi state.

Last week, Bodejo’s family said he was arrested and detained by officers of the 117 battalion of the Nigerian Army in in Maliya, Nasarawa state.

Suleiman Waziri, Bodejo’s brother, said he was arrested over an incident involving some herders and a retired army general in the Tudun Wada area of Nasarawa.

Moving the motion, Soro alleged Bodejo was “arrested in a commando style with no prior invitation or court injunction”.

He said Badejo is yet to be arraigned in court one week after his arrest and committal to prison.

The legislator said the continued detention of Bodejo is a breach of his fundamental human rights and a violation of sections 34, 35 and 36 of the 1999 constitution.

The motion was adopted when it was put to a voice vote by Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house.

The army chief, chief of defence staff, and the commanding officer of the 177 battalion are to appear before the committees on army, human rights and justice on Thursday.