The House of Representatives has invited the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, and the Commanding Officer of 177 Battalion to appear before its committees on Army, Human Rights, and Justice.

The invitation is scheduled for Thursday, December 20, and is aimed at addressing the alleged constitutional breach by officers under their command.

The House condemned the attempt by the officers of 177 Battalion to take over the work of the Nigerian Police and the courts in resolving disputes between citizens.

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They also called for the immediate release of Alh Bello Badejo, a community leader in Nasarawa State, who was arrested on December 9, 2024, by officers of the 177 Battalion.

The arrest, allegedly connected to a misunderstanding between a retired military general and some members of the Maliya community, has been deemed a violation of Badejo’s fundamental human rights.

The House emphasized that the continued detention of Badejo without formal charges is a breach of sections 34, 35, and 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

The invitation and call for Badejo’s release follow the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Mr. Mansur Soro, representing Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency, Bauchi State.