Group demands release of Bello Badejo

The Patriotic Youth for Better Nigeria (PAYOBEN), on Tuesday, called for the immediate and unconditional release of Bello Badejo, condemning his detention by the Nigerian military as unlawful, inhumane, and a violation of constitutional rights.

It also outlined several points of contention surrounding Badejo’s ongoing ordeal, describing it as a “dangerous precedent” that threatens Nigeria’s democratic values.

The youth group said this in a statement by its Chairman, Moses Adasu Makurdi, accusing the military of gross abuse of power under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa.

Makurdi said: “Bello Badejo’s ordeal is a dangerous precedent that must not stand: Unlawful Detention: Bello Badejo was held for six months without charges, only to be declared innocent before his release. What crime, then, justified his rearrest?

“Health Crisis Ignored: After falling seriously ill from the initial detention, Bello Badejo had to be flown to Egypt for treatment. Rearresting a man in fragile health—already on medication—defies all humanity and logic.

“Trauma on Family: His family has been pushed to the brink, emotionally and psychologically. No Nigerian family deserves this torment.

“Violation of the Constitution: Detaining a citizen without trial is unconstitutional, illegal, and unacceptable in any democracy. The Nigerian military is not above the law. Damage to Nigeria’s Image: This unlawful act risks denting the credibility of our military and Nigeria’s image locally and internationally.

“We demand for the immediate and unconditional release of Bello Badejo; Reunion with his family without further delay; A public explanation for his unlawful rearrest; Urgent intervention by stakeholders, civil society, and the authorities to stop this abuse of power.

“We will not allow this act of injustice to go unchallenged. Nigeria is a nation governed by laws, not brute force. If Bello Badejo is not released, we will mobilize national and international awareness to expose this unconstitutional assault on justice.”