The Fulani community in Nigeria has asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to help free their leader, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello Bodejo, who is being held by the Department of State Services (DSS).

In a letter signed by Mohammed Tasiu Suleiman, the Publicity Secretary of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, the group called Bodejo’s detention “illegal and unconstitutional.”

They explained that he was first arrested on December 9, 2024, by the Nigerian Army in Keffi, Nasarawa State. He was later handed over to the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and then to the DSS.

The community said that even after several detentions, no charges had been filed against him. A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court ruling on December 30, 2024, ordered his release. However, he was re-arrested the next day and has remained in detention.

The Fulani leaders pointed out that Bodejo had supported the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 elections and questioned why a key ally of the government was being treated this way.

They also expressed concern about his health, mentioning that he had received medical treatment abroad before and now needed urgent care.

The community urged President Tinubu to act quickly and ensure Bodejo’s release, emphasizing the need to respect the rule of law.

They also referred to a recent incident where some people were arrested over an attack on a retired general, questioning why Bodejo was being held despite his reputation as a peace advocate.

Miyetti Allah reaffirmed its support for Tinubu’s government but warned that keeping their leader in detention could cause unrest among the Fulani people.

They expressed hope that the newly created Ministry of Livestock Development would help address their concerns and called for a quick resolution to the matter.

“We believe in your Renewed Hope Agenda and trust that this issue will be resolved,” the statement concluded.