The Patriotic Youth for Better Nigeria (PAYOBEN) has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Bello Badejo, condemning his continued detention by the military as unlawful and a violation of constitutional rights. 

In a statement, PAYOBEN Chairman, Moses Adasu Makurdi, described Badejo’s ordeal as a dangerous precedent that undermines Nigeria’s democracy. He questioned the justification for Badejo’s rearrest, noting that the man had previously been detained for six months without charges before being released and declared innocent. 

Makurdi also expressed concerns over Badejo’s health, revealing that his condition deteriorated during the initial detention, forcing him to seek treatment abroad. He criticized the military for rearresting him despite his fragile health, calling the act inhumane.

The youth group further highlighted the emotional and psychological toll on Badejo’s family and warned that the incident could damage the reputation of Nigeria’s military and the country as a whole. 

PAYOBEN urged stakeholders, civil society organizations, and relevant authorities to intervene, insisting that the military must respect the rule of law. The group vowed to mobilize national and international attention if Bello Badejo is not released. 

The Military is yet to respond to the group’s statement.