Group condemns detention of Badejo, demands immediate release

By Abubakar Yunusa

The Patriotic Youth for Better Nigeria (PAYOBEN) has condemned what it described as the unlawful and unjust detention of Bello Badejo by the Nigerian military, calling for his immediate and unconditional release.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, PAYOBEN Chairman Moses Adasu Makurdi warned that such actions risk damaging the credibility of the Nigerian military and tarnishing the country’s image both locally and internationally.

“This gross abuse of power, orchestrated under the watch of the Chief of Defence Staff, has crossed every legal and moral boundary,” Makurdi said.

“Nigeria is a nation governed by laws, not brute force.”

The group outlined its key demands, including Badejo’s release, a reunion with his family without delay, and a public explanation for his rearrest.

PAYOBEN also called for urgent intervention by stakeholders, civil society, and authorities to prevent further alleged abuses of power.

Bello Badejo’s case has sparked outrage, with PAYOBEN pointing to his prolonged detention without trial.

According to the group, Badejo was previously held for six months without charges, only to be released after being declared innocent. The circumstances of his rearrest remain unclear.

The statement also highlighted concerns over Badejo’s health, which deteriorated during his initial detention, requiring him to seek medical treatment in Egypt.

“Rearresting a man in fragile health, already on medication, defies all humanity and logic,” Makurdi stated.

PAYOBEN warned that failure to release Badejo would lead to national and international mobilization to expose what it termed an “unconstitutional assault on justice.”

“No Nigerian family deserves this torment,” the group said, describing the detention as illegal, unconstitutional, and unacceptable in any democracy.

The Nigerian military has yet to respond to the allegations.