Reps Summon Army Over Alleged Misconduct by 177 Battalion

House of Representatives has summoned the leadership of the Nigerian Army over the violation of the nation’s constitutional provisions by officers of the 177 Battalion of the Nigerian Army.

The decision followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by a member from Bauchi State, Mansur Manu Soro, which was adopted by the House during a plenary session presided over by Speaker Dr. Abbas Tajuddeen.

While presenting the motion, Mansur Manu Soro said on December 9, 2024, a community leader, Alhaji Bello Badejo, was arrested in Maliya Town, Nasarawa State, in a commando-style operation by officers of the 177 Battalion of the Nigerian Army without prior invitation or a court injunction.

According to him, the 1999 constitution guaranteed the fundamental human rights to life and dignity, while the laws of the land restrict the operation of the Nigerian military to protecting the external and territorial integrity of Nigeria and acting in aid of the civil authorities.

The lawmaker who condemned the actions of the 177 Battalion officers, accusing them of attempting to usurp the roles of the Nigerian Police and judiciary in resolving disputes between citizens.

Mansur Soro said the arrest was allegedly connected to a misunderstanding between a retired military general and some members of the Maliya community, which resulted in the detention of Alhaji Bello Badejo, who has yet to be arraigned before a competent court of jurisdiction as required by the extant laws of the land.

He maintained that the continued detention of Alh Bello Badejo by officers of the Nigerian Army without formal charge(s) is a violation of his fundamental human rights as provided for, in sections 34, 35 and 36 of the Constitution of the FRN, 1999 as amended.

Sponsor of the motion however, urged the House to call on the military leaders to direct for the immediate release of Alh Bello Badejo from an unlawful detention and issue an apology for infringing upon his constitutionally- protected human rights.

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