Release Bello Badejo Now – Arewa Group

The Arewa for Justice Assembly has condemned what it called “illegal detention of Bello Badejo by the Nigerian military”.

In a statement by Comrade Musa Garba Yola, leader of the group in Abuja on Wednesday, it described the arrest as “abuse of power which not only violates his fundamental human rights but inflicted untold trauma on his family”.

“Bello Badejo, who was earlier detained for six months without any charges and subsequently declared innocent, was already battling serious health complications 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.

“His wife, during a recent press conference, revealed the heartbreaking details that Bello Badejo was already on medication when the military unlawfully seized him again.

“This action by the military is a flagrant defiance of constitutional provisions and a stain on the principles of justice and fairness that Nigeria upholds. 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,” he said.

The statement therefore said, “The Arewa for Justice Assembly categorically rejects this illegal act and demands the immediate and unconditional release of Bello Badejo. We also call for his urgent reunion with his family who have endured unwarranted emotional and psychological distress.

“We support the family’s plea for the intervention of all relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure justice prevails.”

It said the military’s continued mistreatment of Badejo poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s image both locally and internationally; therefore, it is imperative that the military acts within the confines of the law to restore confidence in its operations and leadership.

“This matter is not just about Bello Badejo; it is about the principles of justice, fairness, and respect for the rule of law,” he said.