•accuse Nigerian Army for allegedly usurping Police, Judiciary functions
•invite Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, and others, Thursday
The House of Representatives on Tuesday resolved to invite the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff and the Commanding Officer of the 177 battalion over allegations concerning unlawful arrest and continued detention of a community leader, Alhaji Bello Badejo by the Officers of 177 Battalion of the Nigerian Army.
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion on urgent public importance on the ‘Urgent need to preserve public order and to intervene in the unlawful arrest and detention of a community leader, Alhaji Bello Badejo by the Officers of 177 Battalion of the Nigerian Army’, sponsored by Hon. Mansur Manu Soro, who solicited for the House intervention.
In his lead debate, Soro who expressed concern over the development, observed that the 1999 Constitution (as amended) has “guaranteed the fundamental human rights to life and dignity.
“The House further notes that the laws of the federation restricted the operation of the Nigerian military to protecting the external and territorial integrity of Nigeria and acting in aid of the civil authorities.
“The House is informed that on the 9th of December 2024, a distinguished community leader in person of Alh. Bello Badejo was arrested in Maliya town of Nasarawa State in a commando style by the officers of the 177 battalion of the Nigerian Army with no prior invitation or court injunction.
“The House is further informed that the arrest is allegedly in connection to a misunderstanding between a retired military general and some members of the Maliya community.
“The House is concerned that one week after the arrest, Alh Bello Badejo is yet to be arraigned before a competent court of jurisdiction as required by the extant laws of the land.
“The House is disturbed that 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.”
Piqued by the development, the House condemned the “attempt by the officers of 177 battalion to take over the work of the Nigerian Police and the Courts in resolving disputes between citizens.”
Hence, the House called on the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff to order the immediate release of Alhaji Bello Badejo from unlawful detention and to also apologize to him for infringing on his constitutionally-guaranteed fundamental human rights.
To this end, the House resolved to “invite the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff and the Commanding Officer of 177 battalion to cause an appearance before the House Committees on Army, Human Rights and Justice on Thursday 20th December 2024 at 3:00pm to explain why officers under their Command violated the relevant provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.”
ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNEÂ
Reps empower SEC to regulate online forex trading platforms, others
and then