Fulani Christian Missionary Released After Nine Days In Police Detention

“Either I find a place to hide, or I am going to die a martyr today,” these were the words of the passionate Fulani Evangelist, Musa Bello, to a humanitarian NGO in Abuja, after he was granted bail on Friday following his 9 days detention behind bars, since February 7, 2024.

The young preacher, simply called Evangelist Musa, is known for bringing the Gospel message to Fulani tribes deep in the forests of northern Nigeria. Most of the 10 million Fulani in Nigeria are hostile to Christianity, yet Fulani converts have a reputation for fearless evangelical campaigns.

Musa’s wife, Mrs Maryam Bello, who confirmed the preacher’s release granted on bail disclosed to TruthNigeria that Bello was arrested on February 7, on the outskirts of Nigeria’s capital city of Abuja. The evangelist’s personal assistant, known as “Umar” was allegedly beaten to death by a mob of irate Muslim on that day. When Musa Bello went looking for his assistant and disciple, the same mob attempted to beat him to death, but the police arrived in time to save his life.

She revealed that Bello was detained for 9 days without charges by the police but held on suspicion of armed robbery, Mrs  Bello told TruthNigeria. “This accusation is totally false and merely an excuse for the severe persecution my husband has faced solely because of his Christian faith,” she maintained.

A fellow partner on the mission field,  defending evangelist Musa via a post shared by iNspiritextra on X on Friday stated, “I received a call this morning from someone questioning Evangelist Musa’s innocence. I want to be very clear – Evangelist Musa is NOT a criminal; he’s a missionary, someone who dedicates his life to spreading the gospel of Christ among the unreached.

Revealing how much risk the preacher takes to spread the gospel, he continued, “Evangelist Musa goes into remote parts of Northern Nigeria, risking his safety to spread the gospel of Christ and transform lives. He’s not a criminal; he’s a missionary with a big heart for people, most especially the Fulani. I’ve spoken with him personally, and he’s so passionate about his mission work, reaching places others won’t go, even in the face of the present insecurity.

“I am a missionary focused on education – planting free schools in remote areas where they are needed the most. We spoke and then agreed to work together to make a positive impact, particularly in a community in Niger state where he has reached and school is needed. However, due to rising insecurity, I had to put the plans on hold until the coast is clear to move because safe education for our children is one of our policies.”

He added, “As an evangelist and missionary always on the field, he relies on support from fellow Christians to sustain his mission. He doesn’t steal or engage in criminal activities. In a functioning country, missionaries and humanitarians should be protected, not attacked or tortured. It is time to stop the persecution of Christians and protect those who risk everything to bring hope and transformation to others.”

Speaking on the ordeal evangelist Musa went through during his 9 harrowing days detention by the police, Mrs Bello said,

“The police officers from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad beat my husband severely over this past week, injuring his back and leaving bruises all over his body. But thanks be to God, tonight he will be able to sleep in his own bed as a free man for the first time in over a week.”  

Now that Bello has been freed on bail pending further investigation, advocates hope the trumped-up charges against him will be dropped. However, the emotional trauma of Bello’s ordeal could have lasting impact. 

“My husband was already struggling with the grief and trauma of losing his dear brother Adamu, when the police ruthlessly seized him as well,” Ms. Bello said. “Now, on top of mourning his friend, he must work to heal from nine days of brutal torture,” she said.

She called on Christians all over the world to pray for Musa Bello’s complete physical and emotional recovery.

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