By Igbasuwe Kuza, Lafia

The North-Central leadership of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore Fulani Socio-Cultural Association has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the continued detention of its National President, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello Bodejo.

In a statement signed by its North-Central Chairman, Alhaji Idris Gidado Bebeji, the association also appealed to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and security agencies to review the circumstances surrounding Bodejo’s detention.

The group described Bodejo as a prominent leader and advocate of the Fulani pastoralist community who has contributed to peaceful coexistence and national unity, noting that his continued detention has generated serious concern among his family, associates and members of the wider pastoralist community.

While acknowledging the constitutional responsibilities of security and law enforcement agencies, the association said it was not seeking to obstruct any lawful investigation, but urged that the matter be handled fairly, expeditiously and in accordance with the Constitution.

According to the association, Bodejo was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Jalingo, Taraba State, on the day he declared his intention to contest the Taraba Central Senatorial District seat. He was subsequently handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he reportedly spent almost four months in detention.

The association claimed that Bodejo had fulfilled the conditions reportedly set for his release from EFCC custody, expressing concern over his continued detention.

“While we acknowledge that the relevant security agencies possess information not available to us, we respectfully appeal that the circumstances and legal basis for his continued detention be reviewed at the highest appropriate level,” the statement said.

The group appealed to President Tinubu to ensure that due process is strictly followed if there is a lawful basis for further investigation or prosecution, adding that if his continued detention is no longer legally necessary, he should be released to his family without further delay.

It stressed that it was not asking for Bodejo or any citizen to be placed above the law, but for the law to take its proper course while his constitutional rights, dignity and personal liberty are respected.

The association also appealed to members of the Fulani pastoralist community to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding, assuring them that it will continue to pursue dialogue and lawful channels to resolve the matter.