The Nigerian Youths for Good Governance (NYGG) called on Thursday the Federal Government and the military to release the leader of Miyetti Allah, Bello Badejo, unconditionally.
NYGG Executive Director, Alhaji Ado Mohammed, in a statement, expressed deep concern and dismay at the recent illegal arrest and detention of Alhaji Bello Badejo, a prominent leader of the Fulani community and an advocate for peace and development in Nigeria.
Mohammed said that Badejo was taken into custody by soldiers on 9 December 2024 under questionable circumstances.
Mohammed added that this was the second such incident, as Badejo had previously been detained for nearly five months in January 2024 without due process or justification.
He said, “The NYGG unequivocally condemns this blatant violation of his fundamental human rights and demands an immediate investigation into the actions of the soldiers responsible for his unlawful detention.
“Alhaji 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 Alhaji 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 unacceptable, especially considering that his previous detention caused significant harm to his health.
“The NYGG calls on the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to urgently investigate the circumstances surrounding Alhaji Badejo’s arrest and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
“Furthermore, we demand the immediate release of Alhaji 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.”