The Fulani Youth Association of Nigeria, FUYAN, has criticised the prolonged detention of Alhaji Abdullahi Bello Bodejo, the President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, by the Nigerian Army in connection with the launch of the Nomad Vigilante Group in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
Describing the detention as illegal, FUYAN has warned of potential legal action against the military authorities.
Bodejo, arrested following the inauguration of the Nomad Vigilante Group on January 17, aimed at enhancing security in rural areas, has been held without trial.
FUYAN contends that the Nigerian Army has overstepped its constitutional authority by detaining Bodejo for an extended period.
In a statement issued by its convener, Mohammed Tasiu Suleiman, on Friday morning, FUYAN asserted that only the police and the Department of State Services, DSS, have the legal power to detain citizens.
The group called upon President Bola Tinubu to intervene urgently and ensure the immediate release of Bodejo.
“The Nigerian Army is not empowered by our laws to detain any citizen. The police and the DSS are the only ones with the power to detain a citizen. Keeping Alhaji Bodejo for this long period is illegal,” the group stated.
FUYAN emphasised that the Army should transfer Bodejo to the police, or DSS, and provide them with the necessary records for any ongoing investigations.
The association urged President Tinubu to address the issue promptly, stating that the constitutional rights of Bodejo are being violated during the extended detention.
Suleiman, in his appeal to FUYAN members and kinsmen, called for calm and law-abiding behaviour as they await the release of their leader.
Emphasising the importance of adhering to legal processes, he stated: “If the Army has any evidence against Bello Bodejo committing an offence, he should be arraigned before a competent court.”
