A Fulani sociocultural association, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the continued detention of its leader, Abdullahi Bello-Bodejo.

The association’s North Central Chairman, Idris Gidado-Bebeji, made the appeal during a press conference on Wednesday in Karu, Nasarawa State.

The association also appealed to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC); and relevant security agencies to intervene in the matter.

Mr Gidado-Bebeji said that Mr Bello-Bodejo’s continued detention had generated concern among his family, associates, supporters and members of the wider pastoralist community.

According to him, Mr Bello-Bodejo is a prominent leader and advocate of the Fulani pastoralist community who has contributed to peaceful coexistence, national unity and the welfare of pastoralist communities.

He said, however, that the association recognised the constitutional responsibilities of security and law-enforcement agencies and was not seeking to obstruct or compromise any lawful investigation.

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

The association alleged that Mr Bello-Bodejo was arrested by operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) in Jalingo, Taraba State, on the day he officially declared his intention to contest the Taraba Central senatorial district seat.

It further alleged that he was subsequently handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he spent almost four months in detention.

According to Mr Gidado-Bebeji, Mr Bello-Bodejo was released after reportedly fulfilling the conditions for his release from EFCC custody but was allegedly rearrested by SSS operatives on August 28, 2026.

He acknowledged that the relevant security agencies might possess information not available to the association but urged that the circumstances and legal basis for Mr Bello-Bodejo’s 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.

“If his continued detention is no longer legally necessary, we earnestly appeal for his release to his family without further delay,” he said.

Mr Gidado-Bebeji also described Mr Bello-Bodejo as a supporter and member of the APC who supported the Tinubu-Shettima presidential ticket during the 2023 general elections.

He 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.

The association appealed to the president, NSA, the Attorney-General of the Federation, APC leadership, SSS and the international community, including Amnesty International, to ensure that the matter was resolved fairly, peacefully and in accordance with the law.

Mr Gidado-Bebeji stressed that the association was not asking for Mr Bello-Bodejo or any other citizen to be placed above the law, but that his constitutional rights, dignity and personal liberty should be respected.

He urged members of the association and the wider Fulani pastoralist community to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding while pursuing dialogue, constitutional processes and engagement with relevant government institutions.

“This is an appeal for justice, fairness and due process; not an accusation or a challenge to constituted authority,” the statement said.

(NAN)