The House of Representatives has summoned the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), and the Commanding Officer of the 177 Battalion of the Nigerian Army to appear before its Committees on Army, Human Rights, and Justice on Thursday, 20 December 2024, over alleged violation of the constitution by officers under their command
By Emma Ogbuehi
The House of Representatives has summoned the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), and the Commanding Officer of the 177 Battalion of the Nigerian Army to appear before its Committees on Army, Human Rights, and Justice on Thursday, 20 December 2024, over alleged violation of the constitution by officers under their command, citing instance of unlawful arrest and detention of a community leader in Nasarawa state.
This followed a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Mansur Manu Soro (PDP, Bauchi), during Tuesday’s plenary, when he explained that on December 9th 2024, the community leader Bello Badejo was arrested in Maliya town, Nassarawa State by officers of the 177 battalion of the Nigerian Army with no prior invitation or court injunction.
He further stated that one week after, Badejo is yet to be arraigned, which signifies an unlawful act by the Nigerian Army and a violation of the fundamental human rights as provided in sections 34, 35 and 36 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended.
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The motion called on the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff to order the immediate release of Alhaji Bello Badejo from unlawful detention and to also apologize to him for infringing on his constitutionally guaranteed fundamental human rights.
The House also condemned the actions of the 177 Battalion officers, accusing them of attempting to usurp the roles of the Nigerian Police and judiciary in resolving disputes between citizens.
Presenting the motion before the House, Manu Soro reminded his colleagues that the 1999 constitution guaranteed the fundamental human rights to life and dignity, while the laws of the land restrict the operation of the Nigerian military to protecting the external and territorial integrity of Nigeria and acting in aid of the civil authorities.
He said the arrest is allegedly in connection to a misunderstanding between a retired military general and some members of the Maliya community, leading to the arrest of Badejo who is yet to be arraigned before a competent court of jurisdiction as required by the extant laws of the land.
He said the continued detention of Badejo by officers of the Nigerian Army without formal charge(s) is a violation of his fundamental human rights as provided for, in sections 34, 35 and 36 of the Constitution of the FRN, 1999 as amended.