News
Unlawful Arrest , Detention Of Alhaji Bello Badejo By 117 Battalion, Nigeria Army
My name is Suleiman waziri, and I am the brother of Alhaji Bello Badejo, a respected community leader and businessman based in Maliya, Nasarawa State. It is with deep concern and disappointment that I address the public today regarding the unlawful arrest and continued detention of my brother by officers of the 117 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Keffi, Nasarawa State.
On the 8th of December 2024, an incident occurred at Tudun Wada, Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, involving a retired General of the Nigerian Army. The General reportedly discharged firearms at a herd of cattle, causing significant losses for the herders. Acting in self-defense, the herders disarmed the General and reported the matter to the police.
Despite having no connection or involvement with this incident, Alhaji Bello Badejo was arrested on the 9th of December 2024 at his office in Maliya, Nasarawa State, in a commando-style operation carried out by the 117 Battalion. His arrest is wholly unwarranted and appears to be based on unfounded allegations.
My brother’s only involvement in this matter arose when relatives of the herders approached him earlier on the morning of 9th December 2024, pleading for his intervention as a respected leader to help secure the release of their confiscated cattle. This was purely a humanitarian effort on his part, yet he was unfairly detained without evidence linking him to the events in Tudun Wada.
Efforts by our legal representatives to meet with Alhaji Bello Badejo have been stonewalled. On visiting the 117 Battalion, both I and his legal counsel were denied access to him. The Commanding Officer claimed that permission to see him could only come from “above.” This denial is a flagrant violation of his constitutional rights to liberty, dignity, and legal representation.
We wish to emphasize the following points:
- Alhaji Bello Badejo is innocent and has no connection to the alleged incident or the herders involved. He was with me in Maliya on 8th and 9th December 2024, preparing for the opening of the Maliya Market Ceremony.
- His continued detention without formal charges or court proceedings violates his fundamental rights as enshrined in Sections 34, 35, and 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
- The denial of access to his legal representatives is an additional breach of his right to fair hearing and legal defense.
We call on the Chief of Army Staff and other relevant authorities to:
- Order the immediate and unconditional release of Alhaji Bello Badejo, as no evidence has been presented linking him to any wrongdoing.
- Direct the 117 Battalion to grant his legal representatives unhindered access to him.
- Ensure a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident at Tudun Wada to establish the facts and ensure justice for all parties involved.
The unlawful arrest and continued detention of an innocent man is not only a gross injustice but also undermines the trust between citizens and the institutions meant to protect them. We urge the Nigerian Army to act swiftly to correct this wrongful act and restore the rights and dignity of Alhaji Bello Badejo.
We appeal to the public, the media, and human rights organizations to support us in ensuring that justice prevails in this matter.
News
Tinubu, PDP Hail Gov Okpebholo’s Road Infrastructural Revolution in Edo
Joel Ajayi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded the infrastructural strides of Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, particularly the ongoing construction of the state’s first-ever flyover bridge, describing it as a landmark intervention in easing urban traffic and modernizing Edo’s transport system.
The President extolled the governor’s foresight in embarking on the one-kilometre flyover project at Ikpoba Hill in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, noting that its completion would transform vehicular movement and strengthen the urban fabric of Benin City.
Tinubu praised Okpebholo’s early performance in office, affirming that the governor had set a new standard of governance in Edo.
The president represented by the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, emphasized that the governor’s bold approach to road and bridge construction in the State underscores the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) progressive agenda.
“This is a 24-span structure, each span measuring 20 meters, amounting to a one-kilometre bridge. The quality and pace of work are impressive. Edo is witnessing a first, and I believe more such projects should follow in Benin City to address the heavy traffic,” Umahi conveyed on behalf of the President.
The Minister contrasted the efficiency of state-driven projects with some federal contracts, lamenting that contractors often display greater discipline when working under governors than when handling federal assignments.
He pledged to enforce stricter accountability standards at the federal level to ensure value for money and timely delivery.
“I commend Governor Okpebholo for insisting on concrete technology. Roads built with reinforced concrete last 50 to 100 years, saving scarce resources. Nigeria cannot continue to spend on recurring reconstruction. We must invest in durability,” Umahi stressed.
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured5 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured4 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News9 months agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured6 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
