House of Reps Demands Immediate Release of Bello Badejo

The House of Representatives has directed the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Olufemi Oloyede, to immediately release Bello Badejo, who is currently being held unlawfully.

The Green Chamber has also summoned Musa, Oloyede, and the Commanding Officer of the 177 Battalion to appear before its Committees on Army, Human Rights, and Justice on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. to explain why their subordinates violated provisions of the Nigerian Constitution. Additionally, the military is instructed to apologize to Badejo for infringing on his fundamental human rights.

Read More: ‘Our Policies are deliberate!’ Tinubu Defends Reforms as Pathway to National Prosperity

This resolution followed the adoption of a motion presented by Hon. Mansur Soro. He highlighted that on December 9, 2024, Badejo was arrested in Maliya town, Nasarawa State, by officers from the 177 Battalion in a commando-style operation, without prior invitation or a court order. The arrest was allegedly linked to a dispute involving a retired military general and members of the local community.

Soro expressed concern that, a week after the arrest, Badejo had not been brought before any competent court, as required by law. He emphasized that holding Badejo without formal charges was a violation of his constitutional rights, specifically Sections 34, 35, and 36 of the Nigerian Constitution.

As part of its resolution, the House condemned the actions of the 177 Battalion, noting that the officers’ conduct was an attempt to bypass the judicial process and the role of the police in resolving civilian matters. The House further called for the immediate release of Bello Badejo and an apology for the breach of his rights.