Group Demands Immediate Release Miyetti Allah Leader Badejo, DSS Explanation

The Association of Kautal Fulaku Waila Harmony and Outreach for Rapid Development has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately release the national leader of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello Badejo, if there is no lawful basis for his continued detention.

The association also demanded a clear explanation from the security agency on the circumstances surrounding the further arrest and detention of Badejo, particularly following a reported Federal High Court ruling in Abuja granting him bail in connection with allegations brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Addressing a press conference yesterday, chairman of the association, Alhaji Bello Buba, said the group’s intervention was not only about Badejo but also aimed at defending the fundamental rights and liberties of every peaceful and law-abiding Nigerian.

Buba said the association did not support the violation of any law, stressing that where credible evidence exists that Badejo committed an offence, the appropriate authorities should investigate and, where necessary, prosecute him before a competent court.

He, however, maintained that no security agency or government institution was above the Constitution, adding that every Nigerian was entitled to the protection of his or her fundamental rights.

“Alhaji Abdullahi Bello Badejo is widely regarded by his family, followers and many members of the community as a person who has consistently preached peace, tolerance, unity and peaceful coexistence,” Buba said.

He noted that despite Badejo’s further arrest and detention, there had been no reported demonstration, violence, public disorder or other breach of peace by his family members, followers or supporters.

The association expressed concern that the circumstances surrounding the further arrest and detention of the Miyetti Allah leader had not, to its knowledge, been sufficiently explained to his family, supporters and the wider public.

“We respectfully urge the appropriate authorities to ensure that the leadership of the DSS provides a clear and lawful explanation as to why Alhaji Abdullahi Bello Badejo was further arrested and detained after the Federal High Court had granted him bail and the applicable bail conditions had reportedly been fulfilled,” he said.

The group also referred to the fundamental rights guaranteed under Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

It specifically cited Sections 34, 35 and 36, which respectively provide protections relating to the dignity of the human person, personal liberty and fair hearing.

The association stressed that citizens should not be subjected to indefinite arrest or detention without a lawful basis, proper explanation and compliance with the Constitution and other applicable laws.

It urged Badejo’s family, followers and supporters to remain calm and peaceful while pursuing all available lawful avenues to protect his rights.

“We do not want this situation to create unnecessary tension or give room for anyone to misinterpret the peaceful disposition of his supporters,” Buba said.

He added that the association’s position was not intended to obstruct any lawful investigation or criminal proceeding but to ensure that due process, constitutional safeguards and the rule of law were respected.

“If the DSS or any other competent authority has reasonable grounds to believe that Alhaji Abdullahi Bello Badejo has committed an offence, our position is simple: let him be taken before a competent court and let the law take its course.

“Conversely, if there is no lawful basis for his continued detention, we call for his immediate release,” he said.

The association further called on the DSS to publicly clarify the legal and factual basis for Badejo’s further arrest and detention, particularly in view of the reported bail granted by the Federal High Court and the reported fulfilment of the bail conditions.

It also urged relevant oversight institutions to examine the circumstances surrounding his continued detention and ensure that his fundamental rights were protected.

The group said it was aware of previous circumstances in which Badejo had been arrested and subjected to criminal proceedings that ultimately resulted in his discharge and acquittal.

It stressed, however, that the reference was not intended to prevent any lawful investigation against him, but to emphasise the constitutional principle of presumption of innocence and the right of every citizen to have allegations against them determined by a competent court.

The association reiterated its call for the authorities to either present Badejo before a competent court if there are lawful grounds for his continued detention or release him if no such grounds exist.