Controversy Erupts Over Detention of Taraba Senatorial Hopeful

Abdullahi Bello Bodejo, a senatorial hopeful for Taraba Central, was arrested on May 7, 2026, in Jalingo, Taraba State, by the Department of State Services (DSS) and flown to Abuja. Following his arrest, he was transferred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and remains in detention.

Sources allege that within 48 hours of his detention, authorities pressured Bodejo to withdraw from the 2027 senatorial race as a condition for his release. Bodejo's campaign director, Adamu Isa, condemned the manner of his arrest and subsequent transfer, describing it as humiliating and likening Bodejo's treatment to that of a common criminal.

Isa emphasized that Bodejo has made significant contributions to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and urged for dialogue rather than intimidation from security agencies. Bodejo's supporters are advocating for peaceful resolution and justice, while a consensus committee within the Taraba chapter of the APC has reportedly been set up to discuss the situation.