The House of Representatives has demanded the immediate release of Bello Badejo from “unlawful detention” by the Nigerian Army and summoned top military officials to appear before its committees.
The resolution was passed during plenary on Tuesday following a motion moved by Hon. Mansur Soro, who decried the violation of Badejo’s fundamental human rights.
The summoned officials include the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa; the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Olufemi Oloyede; and the Commanding Officer of the 177 Battalion.
They are expected to appear before the House Committees on Army, Human Rights, and Justice on Thursday, December 20, 2024, at 3:00 p.m.
The lawmakers further directed the military to issue a formal apology to Badejo for infringing on his constitutionally guaranteed rights.
“The continued detention of Bello Badejo without formal charges violates Sections 34, 35, and 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended,” Soro stated while moving the motion.
According to Soro, “On December 9, 2024, Bello Badejo was arrested in Maliya town, Nasarawa State, in a commando-style operation by officers of the 177 Battalion of the Nigerian Army without prior invitation or a court injunction.”
He explained that the arrest was allegedly linked to a misunderstanding between a retired military general and some members of the Maliya community.
However, Soro expressed concern that “one week after the arrest, Badejo is yet to be arraigned before a competent court of jurisdiction, as required by extant laws.”
The Green Chamber emphasized that the military’s actions amount to a blatant disregard for constitutional provisions that safeguard the fundamental human rights of Nigerian citizens.
The motion received overwhelming support from lawmakers, with many calling for accountability and the protection of citizens’ rights against arbitrary detention by security agencies.
“No institution, including the military, is above the law. The constitution must be respected, and the rule of law upheld,” one lawmaker asserted during the debate.
The House reiterated that it would not tolerate any violation of human rights and vowed to hold the military accountable should it fail to comply with the directives.
The House resolved as follows:
– Condemn the attempt by the officers of the 177 Battalion to usurp the role of the Nigerian Police and the courts in resolving disputes between citizens.
– Call on the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff to order the immediate release of Alhaji Bello Badejo from unlawful detention and to apologise to him for infringing on his constitutionally-guaranteed fundamental human rights.
– Invite the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, and the Commanding Officer of the 177 Battalion to appear before the House Committees on Army, Human Rights, and Justice on Thursday, 20th December 2024, at 3:00 p.m. to explain why officers under their command violated the relevant provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.