Rights Group Decries Bodejo’s Detention

Human rights group, Concerned Citizens of Like Minds (CCLM), has demanded the  unconditional release of leader of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Bello Bodejo, describing his continued detention as unconstitutional and a violation of human dignity.

The secretary of the group, Adamu Adamu Matazu and Bodejo’s wife, Hajiya Hauwa Bodejo, made the demand at a news conference in Abuja yesterday.

Matazu said Bodejo was arrested by officers of the 177 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Keffi and transferred to the custody of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA).

Hauwa Bodejo said her husband’s health was deteriorating due to his condition in detention, and raised serious concerns about disregard for his fundamental rights.

Matazu added that since his detention, he had been subjected to confinement without any substantiated charge.

“It is disheartening to note that this is not the first time Alhaji Bello Bodejo has been targeted. Similar arrests by various security agencies in the past have yielded no evidence to justify the allegations levelled against him.

“Despite these repeated violations of his rights, no charges have been proven, and the current accusations appear to follow the same baseless pattern.

“We, the Concerned Citizens of Like Minds, demand the immediate and unconditional release of Alhaji Bello Bodejo. His continued detention is not only unconstitutional but also a violation of his human dignity and a grave injustice to a man whose contributions to Nigeria’s unity cannot be overstated.

“We also call on Prestdent Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene in this matter. It is imperative that the Nigerian military and all security agencies operate within the confines of the Constitution and uphold the principles of justice and fairness,” he said.

Matazu added that no individual or institution should be allowed to act outside the law, as such actions undermine the foundations of our democracy.

“We urge the government to address the systemic issues that allow for the arbitrary arrest and detention of innocent citizens. Alhaji Bello Bodejo’s case is a reminder of the urgent need for accountability and reform within our security institutions,” he said.