Family accuses Army of detaining Miyetti Allah leader in Nasarawa

The family of the leader of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Badejo, has accused the Nigerian Army of unlawful arrest and detention.

According to his family, Badejo was apprehended on December 9, 2024, by officers of the 117 Battalion, based in Keffi, Nasarawa State.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, his brother, Suleiman Waziri, stated that Badejo was arrested in connection with an incident involving a retired Army General at Tudun Wada, Karu Local Government Area, on December 8, 2024.

Waziri said Badejo, who was not involved in the incident, was targeted for his attempts to mediate as a respected community leader.

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“On December 8, 2024, an incident occurred at Tudun Wada, Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, involving a retired General of the Nigerian Army. The General reportedly discharged firearms at a herd of cattle, causing significant losses for the herders. Acting in self-defence, the herders disarmed the General and reported the matter to the police.

“Despite having no connection or involvement with this incident, Alhaji Bello Badejo was arrested on the 9th of December 2024 at his office in Maliya, Nasarawa State, in a commando-style operation carried out by the 117 Battalion. His arrest is wholly unwarranted and appears to be based on unfounded allegations

“My brother was in Maliya on the day of the incident, preparing for the opening of the Maliya Market Ceremony. He had no connection to what happened in Tudun Wada.

“My brother’s only involvement in this matter arose when relatives of the herders approached him earlier on the morning of 9th December 2024, pleading for his intervention as a respected leader to help secure the release of their confiscated cattle.”

Waziri lamented the treatment his brother has received, including the denial of access to legal counsel and family members.

“Efforts by our legal team to see him have been blocked by the 117 Battalion. The Commanding Officer insists that permission must come from higher authorities,” he added.

The family has called on the Chief of Army Staff and other relevant authorities to facilitate the immediate and unconditional release of Badejo.

“Allow his legal representatives unfettered access to him. Conduct a transparent and impartial investigation into the Tudun Wada incident,” he added.

The Acting Public Relations Officer of the Guards Brigade, Lieutenant Olokodana Odunayo, confirmed to journalists that Badejo has been transferred to the Defence Intelligence Agency.

“The Commanding Officer of the 117 Battalion said the man has been handed over to the DIA,” Odunayo said, without providing further details.