Coalition decries alleged detention of activist by military

The Coalition of Youths for Vanguards for Democratic Solidarity (CYVDS) has decried the continued detention of a community leader and peace advocate, Alhaji Bello Badejo.

It also recognised the detainee’s efforts in fostering unity and development across communities, recalling that he was reportedly arrested on December 9, 2024, by soldiers “under questiona ble circumstances.”

Reports claim that he is being held in “substandard conditions, with limited access to his family, friends, and essential medical care.”

CYVDS Chairman, Rabiu Abubakar Mato, in a statement, condemned the “detention as a violation of human rights and an affront to justice and democracy.”

The coalition called for an immediate and independent investigation into the actions of the affected military, urging the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to ensure accountability.

Mato said: “This is not only an abuse of his human rights, but also an affront to justice, democracy, and the rule of law, which should ordinarily guide our democratic sojourn. This latest arrest is the second of such incidents, as Alhaji Badejo was previously detained for nearly five months in early 2024 without criminal conviction.

“His only ‘crime’ appears to be his role as a leader in the Fulani association, where he has been working to improve his community through plans to build a mosque and a market. These initiatives, aimed at fostering peace and economic development, are entirely legitimate, and should never have been used as a pretext for harassment or unlawful detention.

“We categorically state that Alhaji Bello Badejo is not a terrorist, nor has he been involved in any criminal activities. The accusations levelled against him are baseless, and the treatment he has received is completely disproportionate to his actions.

“The CYVDS condemns in the strongest terms the unlawful actions of the military personnel involved and calls for an immediate and thorough investigation by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa into this matter.

“We are especially concerned for the health and well-being of Alhaji Badejo, who due to his previous detention, has suffered significant physical and mental harm for which he had to seek medical attention within and outside the country.”