Amnesty International has condemned the arrest and remand of a Kano-based TikToker, Junaidu Abdullahi, popularly known as ‘Abusalma’ for mobilising mass protests over the country’s widespread hunger and suffering.
In a statement on Sunday, Amnesty International demanded the immediate release of Abdullahi, accusing the Nigerian government of punishing him for exercising his fundamental right.
“The Nigerian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release social media activist Junaidu Abdullahi (Abusalma), who was imprisoned in Kano for posting a viral TikTok video calling for a peaceful protest against widespread hunger across the country. #FreeAbusalma,” the human rights organisation said.
It further challenged and criticised the government’s actions, describing the expedited court proceedings and the adjournment of the case for three weeks as evidence of a deliberate attempt to punish Abdullahi for exercising his freedom of expression.
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In February, Amnesty International said the Nigerian authorities had unlawfully arrested Aisha Jibrin, Fatima Aliyu, Fatima Isyaku, and 22 others in Minna, Niger State, for participating in a protest against the severe cost of living crisis.
It also noted that the police “unlawfully” detained Fatima Auwal, a local bread (Gurasa) baker, for protesting the hike in the price of flour.
Daily Trust gathered that ‘Abusalma’ TikTok influencer based in Kano was arrested by security agents after he posted a viral video calling for mass protests against the severe hunger and economic hardship affecting many Nigerians.
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