Miyetti Allah: Demands Abdullahi Bello Bodejo Release, Appeals to Tinubu

• Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore has appealed to President Bola Tinubu and other officials for the release of its national leader, Abdullahi Bello Bodejo.
• Bodejo was initially arrested by the DSS, held by the EFCC for nearly four months, released, and then re-arrested by the DSS on August 28, 2026.
• The association emphasizes that they seek fair treatment, due process, and adherence to constitutional rights, not an obstruction of justice.
• Appeals were specifically directed to President Tinubu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi.
• Bodejo is an APC supporter and advocate for the Fulani pastoralist community, whose prolonged detention has caused widespread concern.

They simply seek for the legal process to unfold correctly, with full respect for Bodejo's constitutional rights, inherent dignity, and personal liberty.

The Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore Fulani Sociocultural Association, specifically its North-Central zone chapter, has issued a public appeal for the prompt release of its national leader, Abdullahi Bello Bodejo. This urgent call was articulated by Idris Bebeji, the association's North-Central Chairman, during a press conference held in the Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

The appeal was directed towards several high-profile figures and institutions, including President Bola Tinubu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and various relevant security agencies. They were all urged to intervene in the ongoing and prolonged detention of Bodejo.

Bodejo is widely recognized as a significant and influential advocate for the Fulani pastoralist community. His contributions are cited as instrumental in fostering peaceful coexistence, promoting national unity, and enhancing the overall welfare of these communities. His continued absence from public life has generated considerable concern and disquiet among his immediate family, close associates, numerous supporters, and the broader pastoralist population he represents.

The association provided a detailed account of the events leading to Bodejo's current predicament, highlighting a complex and concerning sequence of detentions. He was initially apprehended by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Jalingo, Taraba State. This initial arrest notably occurred on the very day he officially declared his intention to contest for the senatorial seat representing Taraba Central, a significant political ambition.

Following his initial detention by the DSS, Bodejo was subsequently transferred into the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He remained under EFCC detention for a period spanning nearly four months. After reportedly fulfilling all stipulated conditions for his release from EFCC custody, he was eventually freed.

However, his freedom proved to be short-lived. DSS operatives re-arrested him on August 28, 2026, marking a second apprehension by the same agency. While acknowledging the constitutional responsibilities of security and law enforcement bodies and affirming that they do not seek to impede any legitimate investigation, the association firmly emphasized the critical need for the entire matter to be handled fairly, expeditiously, and strictly in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution and all applicable laws. They specifically requested a thorough review of the circumstances and the legal basis underpinning his continued detention.

The Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore reiterated its earnest plea to key government officials and political leaders. This included President Bola Tinubu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, alongside the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Department of State Services (DSS). The overarching request was for these influential figures to utilize their good offices to ensure a fair, peaceful, and lawful resolution of Abdullahi Bello Bodejo's case.

The group underscored that their appeal is fundamentally rooted in a demand for justice, fairness, and strict adherence to due process. They explicitly stated that their intention is not to challenge constituted authority or to position their leader above the law. Instead, they simply seek for the legal process to unfold correctly, with full respect for Bodejo's constitutional rights, inherent dignity, and personal liberty.

Bodejo's political affiliations were also brought to the fore, noting his active support and membership within the All Progressives Congress (APC). He was a vocal backer of the Tinubu-Shettima ticket during the 2023 general elections. Furthermore, the association took the opportunity to commend the current administration for its commendable efforts in promoting the development and inclusion of pastoralist communities, particularly through the recent establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.

In light of the ongoing situation, Idris Bebeji urged all members of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore and the broader Fulani pastoralist community to maintain calm and remain law-abiding. He emphasized that the association is committed to resolving the matter through constructive dialogue and established constitutional processes.

The association explicitly called for Bodejo's release if his continued detention is no longer legally justifiable or necessary. They firmly asserted that should any further investigation or prosecution be deemed warranted, due process must be meticulously followed at every stage.

This high-profile case, involving a prominent community leader and the actions of multiple Nigerian security agencies, serves to underscore ongoing concerns regarding executive detentions and the consistent enforcement of constitutional rights within Nigeria's intricate legal framework. It highlights the importance of legal practitioners monitoring such cases for potential precedents.

Lawyers should monitor this high-profile case for precedents regarding due process, prolonged detention, and re-arrest protocols by Nigerian security agencies (DSS, EFCC), as it may inform future challenges to executive detentions and constitutional rights enforcement.

Source: Original reporting via Punch Nigeria