A Nigerian Tiktoker, Junaid Abdullahi, popularly known as Abusalma, has been arrested and remanded in prison in Kano, after posting a viral video calling for mass protests over hardship in the country.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International Nigeria has expressed concern over the arrest and detention of Junaidu Abdullahi, aka Abusalma, a popular TikTok creator, who was remanded in prison for posting a video calling for a mass protest against economic hardship in the country.
The organisation called for his immediate and unconditional release, stating that the government’s primary focus should be on addressing the economic challenges faced by millions of people, rather than stifling critical voices.
Amnesty International Nigeria on Saturday night, emphasised that the government’s priority should be to implement urgent and effective measures to alleviate the suffering of those affected by poverty, malnutrition, and starvation, rather than suppressing dissenting voices.
The statement partly reads: “The Nigerian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release social media activist Junaidu Abdullahi (Abusalma) who was sent to Kano prison for posting a viral Tik Tok video calling for mass peaceful protest over widespread hunger across the country.
“Hurriedly getting a court to send him to prison and adjourning the case till the next three weeks shows the Nigerian authorities clear intention of punishing Abusalma for exercising his right to freedom of expression.
“Arresting critical voices should not be the priority of the Nigerian authorities at a time millions of people are on the brink of starvation, widespread malnutrition and deep poverty.”
Amnesty International Nigeria highlighted the concerning pattern of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration’s attempts to suppress dissenting voices and silence critics of the economic hardship gripping the nation.
This trend raises serious concerns about the government’s commitment to upholding fundamental human rights and freedoms.
The organisation said in February, “the Nigerian authorities unlawfully arrested Aisha Jibrin, Fatima Aliyu, Fatima Isyaku and 22 others in Minna Niger state; for participating in protest against the staggering cost of living crisis people are facing nationwide.
“Also in February, Kano state police command unlawfully arrested Fatima Auwal, the leader of the women local bread (Gurasa) bakers — protesting unbearable hike in the price of flour, which is the ingredient used in the production of the local bread.”
Amnesty International Nigeria noted that the current economic crisis has led to unprecedented levels of inflation, resulting in a surge in the cost of essential goods and services, including food, medicine, electricity, and education.
Specifically, the organization highlighted the significant increase in electricity tariffs and tuition fees at public universities, which has further exacerbated the economic hardship faced by many Nigerians.
“These are placing undue stress on families, businesses, and communities,” it said.
