A non-governmental group, the Nigerian Youths for Good Governance (NYGG) has expressed concern over the reported illegal arrest and detention of prominent Fulani leader, Alhaji Bello Badejo.
The group said Badejo, who is known as an advocate for peace and development in Nigeria, was reportedly taken into custody by soldiers on December 9, 2024, under questionable circumstances.
NYGG, in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Alhaji Ado Mohammed, on Thursday, said it was appalling that Badejo who was previously detained for nearly five months in January 2024 without due process, will again be arrested without a justifiable reason.
“The NYGG unequivocally condemns this blatant violation of his fundamental human rights and demands immediate investigation into the actions of the soldiers responsible for his unlawful detention.
”Alh. Bello Badejo has been accused of offences he is not guilty of. As a respected leader of the Fulani association, he has been working towards the betterment of his community, including plans to commission a mosque and a market for the economic upliftment of his people.
“The NYGG believes these activities, grounded in peace-building and development, are not criminal acts and should not be grounds for such unjustified harassment. We strongly denounce any attempt to silence him or malign his character for his lawful contributions to his community.
“It has come to our attention that Alh. Badejo is currently being held in a dungeon-like facility, and reports indicate that he has been denied access to his family and friends. This inhumane treatment is unconscionable, especially considering that his previous detention caused significant harm to his health,” the statement said.
The NYGG called on the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to urgently investigate the circumstances surrounding Alh. Badejo’s arrest and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
”Furthermore, we demand the immediate release of Alh. Bello Badejo and call on the Federal Government to ensure he is granted access to the medical care he desperately needs.
”We will not tolerate any further violations of his rights, and we stand in solidarity with his family and his community in demanding justice.
”The NYGG urges the Nigerian authorities to respect the rule of law, uphold the human rights of all citizens, and ensure that no individual is subjected to such arbitrary treatment based on their ethnicity, community leadership, or religious activities,” the group added.
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