The Arewa for Justice Assembly has condemned the re-arrest and detention of Bello Badejo, the leader of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, by the Nigerian military.
Badejo, who has been battling severe health issues, was reportedly taken from his cattle farm despite previously spending six months in detention without charges before being declared innocent. His re-arrest has triggered widespread outrage over alleged human rights violations and disregard for the rule of law.
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In a statement signed by Comrade Musa Garba Yola, the leader of the Arewa for Justice Assembly, the group described the military’s actions as “unjust, unconstitutional, and inhumane.”
“The Arewa for Justice Assembly condemns in the strongest terms the unjust, unconstitutional, and illegal detention of Bello Badejo by the Nigerian military,” the statement reads.
“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.”
The group further accused the military of “flagrant defiance of constitutional provisions” and warned that such actions undermine justice, fairness, and Nigeria’s democratic principles.
“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 group emphasized.
The Arewa for Justice Assembly demanded Badejo’s immediate and unconditional release, stressing that the military’s actions have caused unnecessary emotional and psychological distress to his family.
“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,” the statement added.
The group also called on relevant authorities and stakeholders to intervene in the matter, warning that it reflects a broader threat to the rights of citizens, particularly those in Northern 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 statement concluded.
The Arewa group reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the protection of fundamental human rights in Nigeria.
