The Arewa for Justice Assembly, on Wednesday, condemned the unlawful detention of Bello Badejo by the Nigerian military, describing the action as unjust, unconstitutional, and a gross abuse of power under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Musa.
They also criticized the military’s blatant violation of Bello Badejo’s fundamental human rights, which has inflicted severe trauma on his family and further tarnished the military’s reputation.
In a statement issued by the group’s National Chairman, Comrade Musa Garba Yola, urged all relevant authorities and stakeholders to intervene to ensure justice prevails in this matter.
He said: “Bello Badejo, who was earlier detained for six months without any charges and subsequently declared innocent, was already battling serious health complications, so severe 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 claims to uphold. 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.
“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.
“The military’s continued mistreatment of Bello Badejo poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s image both locally and internationally. It is imperative that the Nigerian military acts within the confines of the law to restore confidence in its operations and leadership.”
The Arewa for Justice Assembly reiterated its demand for justice, calling on the Nigerian military to immediately release Bello Badejo and act within the principles of the law.