By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
The Fulani community in Nigeria is pleading with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the case of President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Alhaji (Dr.) Abdullahi Bodejo Bello, who has been in detention since December 9, 2024.
The community expressed deep concern over the continued detention of their leader, despite a court ruling declaring his detention illegal and unconstitutional.
According to a letter signed by Amb. Mohammed Tasiu Suleiman, National Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore Fulani Socio-cultural Association, Alhaji (Dr.) Abdullahi Bodejo Bello was arrested by men of the Nigerian Army and later transferred to the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and then the State Security Service (SSS).
The community stated that despite repeated arrests in the past, no charges have been proven against him believing that he is innocent and was illegally arrested by individuals who have found themselves in positions of power.
The letter also highlighted the health concerns of Alhaji (Dr.) Abdullahi Bodejo Bello, who requires urgent medical attention for an illness he has been suffering from.
The community urged President Tinubu to use his veto power to order his immediate and unconditional release just as they also questioned the benefits of supporting and voting for the APC in 2023, hoping that the President’s intervention would provide a positive answer.
The Fulani community expressed shock and concern over the treatment of Alhaji (Dr.) Abdullahi Bodejo Bello, who publicly campaigned and rallied his people to support the APC and President Tinubu’s presidency in 2023.
They urged the President to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest and detention of their leader and ensure that justice is served.
The letter also drew attention to the detention of individuals involved in injuring a retired General and their cattle, which numbered over 500.
The community questioned the crime of Alhaji (Dr.) Abdullahi Bodejo Bello, who is a law-abiding citizen, peace advocate, philanthropist, and core supporter/mobilizer for the APC.
The Fulani community expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s Renew Hope Agenda and hoped that the establishment and creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development would bring positive change.
They urged the President to intervene in the matter and secure the release of Alhaji (Dr.) Abdullahi Bodejo Bello.
In a considered ruling delivered by Hon. Justice Mohammed Zubairu of the High Court of Justice of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on December 30, 2024, the detention of Alhaji (Dr.) Abdullahi Bodejo Bello was declared illegal and unconstitutional.
The court ordered his release from custody forthwith, but he was rearrested and detained on December 31, 2024.
The Fulani community’s plea to President Tinubu comes at a time when the country is grappling with issues of insecurity, justice, and fairness.
The community’s letter highlights the need for the President to intervene in the matter and ensure that justice is served, not only for Alhaji (Dr.) Abdullahi Bodejo Bello but also for the entire Fulani community in Nigeria.