Miyetti Allah demands leader’s release, seeks Tinubu’s intervention

The Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore Fulani Sociocultural Association in the North-Central geopolitical zone has appealed to President Bola Tinubu and other authorities to intervene in the continued detention of its national leader, Abdullahi Bello Bodejo.

The group also called on the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; the All Progressives Congress leadership; and relevant security agencies to assist in securing Bodejo’s release.

The North-Central Chairman of the association, Idris Bebeji, made the appeal at a press conference in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State on Wednesday.

Bebeji said Bodejo, a prominent advocate for the Fulani pastoralist community, had contributed to peaceful coexistence, national unity and the welfare of pastoralist communities.

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He said the continued detention of the association’s leader had raised concerns among his family, associates, supporters and members of the wider pastoralist community.

Bebeji said the association recognised the constitutional responsibilities of security and law enforcement agencies and was not seeking to obstruct any lawful investigation.

He said, “Our appeal is simply that the matter be handled fairly, expeditiously and strictly in accordance with the Constitution and all applicable laws.

“Our immediate concern is that after Alhaji Bello Bodejo was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Jalingo, Taraba State on the day of his official declaration to contest for the office of the senate to represent the people of Taraba central senatorial district, he was handed over to the EFCC and after spending almost four (4) months in detention and reportedly fulfilled the conditions for his release from EFCC custody, he was released and subsequently rearrested by the operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on 28 August 2026.

“We acknowledge that the relevant security agencies may possess information not available to us. However, we respectfully appeal that the circumstances and legal basis for his continued detention be reviewed at the highest appropriate level. If there is a lawful basis for any further investigation or prosecution, due process should be strictly followed.”

He described Bodejo as a supporter and member of the APC who backed the Tinubu-Shettima ticket during the 2023 general elections.

The chairman also commended the Tinubu administration for its efforts to promote the development and inclusion of pastoralist communities, particularly through the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.

He appealed to Tinubu, Ribadu, Fagbemi, the APC leadership and the DSS to ensure that Bodejo’s case was resolved fairly and in accordance with the law.

“We therefore respectfully appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, the APC leadership, and the leadership of the DSS and the International Committee (Amnesty International) to use their good offices to ensure that this matter is resolved fairly, peacefully and in accordance with the law.

“We are not asking that Alhaji Bello Bodejo or any other citizen be placed above the law. We are simply appealing that the law should take its proper course while his constitutional rights, dignity and personal liberty are fully respected,” he stated.

Bebeji also urged members of the association and the wider Fulani pastoralist community to remain calm and law-abiding while the matter was resolved through dialogue and constitutional processes.

“This is an appeal for justice, fairness and due process — not an accusation or a challenge to constituted authority,” he added.