The Fulani Youth Association of Nigeria (FUYAN) has expressed its disapproval of the prolonged detention of Abdullahi Bodejo, the President of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, by the Nigerian Army, deeming it illegal.
FUYAN has emphasized that the continued detention of Bodejo without trial is a clear display of impunity, and their legal team is preparing to address this matter. Bodejo was apprehended recently in relation to the establishment of the Nomad Vigilante Group in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State.
During the group’s inauguration, Bodejo stated that its primary objective is to safeguard the livelihoods of farmers and herders, gather information and intelligence for Nigerian security agencies regarding criminal activities within communities, and promote peace in rural areas. FUYAN, through a statement issued by its convener, Ambassador Mohammed Suleiman, has highlighted that the Nigerian Army lacks the constitutional authority to detain individuals for more than 24 hours.
The group has called upon President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure the immediate release of the president of the herders’ union.
FUYAN has emphasized that the Nigerian Army’s prolonged detention of Alhaji Bodejo is illegal, as only the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) possess the power to detain citizens.
The Army should transfer our leader to the Police or the DSS and provide them with the necessary records for their investigation.
This action by the Army is a violation of its constitutional duty. We urgently call upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order the immediate release of Bello Bodejo. According to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Nigerian Army does not have the constitutional authority to detain any individual for more than 24 hours without charging them in court.
Therefore, the detention of our leader, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello Bodejo, is contrary to the Constitution. In the meantime, we appeal to the members of our association and our fellow citizens to remain calm and abide by the law as we await the release of our leader.
If the Army possesses any evidence against Bello Bodejo for committing a legally recognized offense, he should be brought before a competent court. Subjecting him to unlawful detention infringes upon his fundamental human rights as guaranteed by the constitution.
The Nigerian security apparatus, known for its professionalism and respect for the rule of law, should demonstrate these qualities by granting Alhaji Abdullahi Bello Bodejo his constitutional rights as a law-abiding citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He should be allowed to return home, as his continued detention is both illegal and unconstitutional.
