Group demands release of Badejo, says DSS must respect court bail

From Paul Orude Bauchi

The Association of Kautal Fulaku Waila Harmony and Outreach for Rapid Development has called for the immediate release of Alhaji Abdullahi Bello Badejo, embattled National National President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, following his reported further arrest and detention by the Department of State Services (DSS) after he was granted bail by the Federal High Court in Abuja.

In a statement signed by its Chairman Alhaji Bello Buba and Secretary  Hassan Usman on Saturday, the association said its demand was based on the need to protect constitutional rights and uphold the rule of law, stressing that no government agency should operate outside the provisions of the Constitution.

The group said Badejo was granted bail by the Federal High Court in connection with allegations brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), adding that the bail conditions imposed by the court had reportedly been fulfilled before his further arrest by the DSS.

According to the association, if the authorities have fresh or reasonable grounds to believe that Badejo has committed an offence, such grounds should be presented before a competent court rather than keeping him in detention without sufficient explanation.

“Let him be taken before a competent court and let the law take its course,” the group said, adding that where there was no lawful basis for his continued detention, he should be released immediately.

The association also drew attention to Sections 34, 35 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution, which respectively provide safeguards relating to the dignity of the human person, personal liberty and fair hearing.

It argued that the constitutional protection of personal liberty required security agencies to comply with due process when arresting or detaining citizens.

The group expressed concern that the circumstances surrounding Badejo’s further arrest and detention had not, to its knowledge, been sufficiently explained to his family, supporters and the wider public.

It also appealed to the Presidency, the National Assembly, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and the National Security Adviser to take note of the situation and ensure that the rule of law was upheld.

The association stressed that its position should not be interpreted as opposition to lawful investigation or prosecution.

“We do not support or promote the violation of any law by any individual,” it said, adding that any allegation against Badejo should be investigated and, where there was credible evidence, prosecuted before a competent court.

The group further appealed to Badejo’s family members, followers and supporters to remain calm and pursue lawful means of seeking his release.

It noted that despite his further detention, there had been no reported violence, demonstration or public disorder by his supporters, describing their conduct as evidence of restraint and commitment to peaceful coexistence.

The association also referred to previous criminal proceedings involving Badejo which, it said, ultimately resulted in his discharge and acquittal.

It, however, acknowledged that the previous outcome did not prevent the authorities from investigating any fresh allegation against him, stressing that every citizen remained entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court.

The group therefore called on the DSS to either provide a clear legal basis for Badejo’s continued detention and take appropriate legal steps, or release him if no such lawful basis exists.

“Our message to the authorities is simple: Let the law take its course,” the association said.