The House of Representatives has summoned the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, and the Commanding Officer of the 177 Battalion of the Nigerian Army to appear before its Committees on Army, Human Rights, and Justice on Thursday, 20 December 2024, to explain why officers under their command have allegedly violated provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.
Following a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Mansur Manu Soro (PDP, Bauchi), the House called on the military leaders to direct the immediate release of Alh Bello Badejo from unlawful detention and issue an apology for infringing upon his constitutionally-protected human rights.
The House also condemned the actions of the 177 Battalion officers, accusing them of attempting to usurp the roles of the Nigerian Police and judiciary in resolving disputes between citizens.
Presenting the motion before the House, Manu Soro reminded his colleagues that the 1999 constitution guaranteed the fundamental human rights to life and dignity, while the laws of the land restrict the operation of the Nigerian military to protecting the external and territorial integrity of Nigeria and acting in aid of the civil authorities.
According to him, on the 9th of December 2024, a distinguished community leader in person of Alh. Bello Badejo was arrested in Maliya town of Nassarawa State in a commando style by the officers of the 177 battalion of the Nigerian Army with no prior invitation or court injunction.
He said the arrest is allegedly in connection to a misunderstanding between a retired military general and some members of the Maliya community.leading to the arrest of Alh Bello Badejo who is yet to be arraigned before a competent court of jurisdiction as required by the extant laws of the land.
He said the continued detention of Alh Bello Badejo by officers of the Nigerian Army without formal charge(s) is a violation of his fundamental human rights as provided for, in sections 34, 35 and 36 of the Constitution of the FRN, 1999 as amended.
