Miyetti Allah Appeals to Tinubu for Release of Detained Leader

The Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore Fulani Sociocultural Association has appealed to President Bola Tinubu and other senior government officials to intervene in the continued detention of its national leader, Abdullahi Bello Bodejo. The group made the appeal on Wednesday during a press conference in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, where its North-Central Chairman, Idris Gidado-Bebeji, expressed concern over Bodejo’s continued detention. The association also called on the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; the leadership of the All Progressives Congress and relevant security agencies to review the circumstances surrounding the detention. Gidado-Bebeji said Bodejo had contributed to the welfare of pastoralist communities, peaceful coexistence and national unity, adding that his continued detention had generated concern among his family, associates and supporters. According to him, Bodejo was initially arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services in Jalingo, Taraba State, while he was preparing to declare his intention to contest for the Taraba Central Senatorial District seat. He was subsequently handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, where he reportedly spent almost four months in detention. Gidado-Bebeji said Bodejo was eventually released after reportedly meeting the conditions set for his release but was rearrested by DSS operatives on August 28, 2026. The association expressed concern over what it described as the lack of clarity surrounding the continued detention and called for due process to be followed. “If there is a lawful basis for any further investigation or prosecution, due process should be strictly followed,” the group said. The association also appealed to the authorities to ensure that Bodejo’s rights were respected while any investigation into the matter continued. The latest appeal comes as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections intensify, with various groups and political interests seeking greater engagement with the Federal Government. Miyetti Allah has previously called on the government to address issues affecting pastoralist communities, including insecurity and disputes between farmers and herders. The group’s latest intervention, however, is focused specifically on the detention of its leader and its request for government authorities to review his case. Bodejo’s legal and security status remains subject to the actions of the relevant authorities, while the association continues to press for his release. The appeal to Tinubu also places renewed attention on the relationship between the Federal Government and organised pastoralist groups as the country approaches another election cycle. For now, Miyetti Allah says it expects the President and other authorities to intervene and ensure that the matter is resolved in accordance with the law.