Miyetti Allah leader Bodejo arrested by Nigerian Army ? Family alleges

The family of Bello Bodejo, President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, has alleged that he was arrested and detained by the Nigerian Army. 

According to a statement by his brother, Suleiman Waziri, the arrest took place on Tuesday, December 10, at Bodejo’s office in Maliya, Nasarawa State, reportedly carried out by officers of the 117 Battalion.

Waziri claimed the arrest is connected to an incident involving herders and a retired Army General in Tudun Wada, Karu Local Government Area. The confrontation allegedly began on December 8, 2024, when the retired general fired at a herd of cattle, causing losses for the herders, who then disarmed him and reported the incident to the police.

“My brother’s only involvement in this matter arose when relatives of the herders approached him earlier on the morning of 9th December 2024, pleading for his intervention as a respected leader to help secure the release of their confiscated cattle,” Waziri explained. He further described Bodejo’s detention as unjust and devoid of any evidence linking him to the Tudun Wada events.

Efforts by the family and legal representatives to meet with Bodejo have reportedly been obstructed, with access denied by the commanding officer of the 117 Battalion. “Permission to see him could only come from above,” Waziri quoted.

Waziri has called on the Chief of Army Staff and other authorities to ensure Bodejo’s immediate and unconditional release. “No evidence has been presented linking him to any wrongdoing,” he said, urging a thorough and impartial investigation into the Tudun Wada incident to ensure justice for all parties.

This is not the first time Bodejo has faced legal challenges. In January, he was arrested for launching a vigilante group under the Miyetti Allah banner in Nasarawa State. Accused of forming an ethnic militia, he faced charges but was discharged of terrorism-related allegations in May after the Attorney General’s office withdrew the case.

The Nigerian Army has yet to release an official statement on the arrest.