Amnesty International has expressed concern over the arrest and continued detention of Bello Badejo by operatives of the Department of State Services, describing the development as a possible abuse of power and a threat to fundamental rights.
In a press statement issued on May 10, 2026, Amnesty International disclosed that Badejo was arrested by DSS operatives on May 7 in Jalingo before being transferred to the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The human rights organisation called on the authorities to either formally charge Badejo to court if there is credible evidence against him or release him immediately.
Speaking on the matter, the Executive Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, said indefinite detention without due process undermines the rule of law and raises concerns about politically motivated actions by state institutions.
“The authorities should charge him to court — if there is evidence of any wrongdoing — or release him, instead of detaining him indefinitely in what appears to be a politically motivated and state-orchestrated abuse of power,” Sanusi said.
He stressed that every citizen has the constitutional right to freely participate in the social and political affairs of the country without intimidation or unlawful restrictions.
Sanusi further warned security and anti-corruption agencies against being used as instruments for political persecution, urging them to adhere strictly to due process and the protection of human rights.
“Nigeria’s security agencies and anti-corruption agencies must always uphold due process of law and not become tools in the hands of politicians by carrying out arbitrary arrests, detentions, and other undue restrictions on the rights of individuals to the legitimate exercise of freedom of association and movement,” he added.
Amnesty International maintained that respect for the rule of law and civil liberties remains critical to sustaining democratic governance and public trust in state institutions.
The organisation did not provide further details regarding the allegations against Badejo or the circumstances surrounding his arrest.
