A non-governmental organisation, Nigerian Youths for Good Governance (NYGG) has expressed deep concern, even as it is appalled by the recent detention of Bello Badejo, a prominent leader of the Fulani community and an advocate for peace and development in Nigeria.
In a statement on Thursday by Ado Mohammed, its executive director, NYGG noted how Badejo was taken into custody by soldiers on December 9, 2024 under questionable circumstances.
“This is the second of such incident as he was previously detained for nearly five months in January 2024 without due process or justification.
“NYGG unequivocally condemns this blatant violation of his fundamental human rights and demands immediate investigation into the actions of the soldiers responsible for his unlawful detention,” he said.
The statement said Badejo has been accused of offenses he is not guilty of.
“As a respected leader of the Fulani association, he has been working towards the betterment of his community, including plans to commission a mosque and a market for the economic upliftment of his people.
“NYGG believes these activities, grounded in peace-building and development, are not criminal acts and should not be grounds for such unjustified harassment.
“We strongly denounce any attempt to silence him or malign his character for his lawful contributions to his community as it has come to our attention that Badejo is currently being held in a dungeon-like facility and reports indicate that he has been denied access to his family and friends. This inhumane treatment is unconscionable, especially considering that his previous detention caused significant harm to his health,” he said.
The group therefore called on the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to urgently investigate the circumstances surrounding his arrest and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
It also demanded the immediate release of Badejo while calling on the federal government to ensure that he is granted access to the medical care he desperately needs.
“We will not tolerate any further violations of his rights and we stand in solidarity with his family and his community in demanding justice,” he said.
NYGG urged the authorities to respect the rule of law, uphold human rights of all citizens and ensure that no individual is subjected to such arbitrary treatment based on their ethnicity, community leadership or religious activities.
