Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) President Abdullahi Bello Bodejo was allegedly arrested by suspected Department of State Services (DSS) operatives in Taraba State, sparking political tension. Bodejo, who is reportedly aspiring to represent Taraba Central Senatorial District in the 2027 Senate elections, was said to have been taken into custody on Thursday evening shortly after addressing supporters in Jalingo.
Supporters Gather in Large Numbers
Supporters of the Miyetti Allah leader, drawn from the six local government areas that make up the senatorial district, had reportedly gathered in large numbers to receive him during his visit to the state capital. The Abdullahi Bello Bodejo Central Zone Senatorial Campaign Council condemned the development, describing the arrest as “unfortunate” and alleging it was politically motivated.
Campaign Council's Statement
In a statement issued over the weekend in Jalingo by the Director-General of the campaign council, Alhaji Adamu Isa Kurmi, the organisation claimed that Bodejo was apprehended shortly after visiting the All Progressives Congress (APC) state secretariat as part of consultations linked to his senatorial ambition. According to the statement, Bodejo and members of his entourage were allegedly taken from the Blue Nile Hotel in Jalingo at about 6:30 p.m. by plain clothed operatives suspected to be DSS personnel and moved to an undisclosed location.
“The campaign council views this development as a violation of the aspirant’s fundamental rights and an act of intimidation against his planned consultations with party leadership and supporters across Taraba Central Senatorial District,” the statement read.
Political Opponents Unsettled
The council further alleged that the massive turnout of supporters who accompanied Bodejo from the Jalingo airport through major parts of the city to the APC secretariat may have unsettled political opponents. It maintained that the aspirant had complied with all necessary legal and political procedures relating to his senatorial ambition, including the purchase and submission of nomination and expression of interest forms.
Notification to Security Agencies
The campaign council also stated that relevant security agencies in the state had been formally notified ahead of the visit and that acknowledgment copies of the notification were obtained. While urging supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, the council disclosed that Bodejo’s legal team had commenced efforts to secure his release so he could continue political consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
No Official Statement Yet
As of the time of filing this report, neither the DSS nor any other security agency had issued an official statement regarding the alleged arrest or Bodejo’s whereabouts.
