Amnesty International Demands Unconditional Release of Nigerian TikToker Jailed for Calling for Mass Protests Over Hardship

Amnesty International Nigeria has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Junaidu Bala Abdullahi, popularly known as Abusalma, a social media activist who was recently imprisoned for urging mass protests against the severe hunger and economic hardship currently affecting millions of Nigerians. The organization's plea highlights concerns over the infringement of free speech and the prioritization of silencing dissent over addressing the country's pressing economic issues.

Abdullahi, a well-known TikTok personality, was detained by security agents on Wednesday. He was initially taken to Abuja before being returned to Kano, where a court ordered his detention for three weeks. His arrest followed a viral video in which he criticized Islamic clerics who opposed the planned protests, suggesting they should be removed from their pulpits. Although Abdullahi later apologized and took down the post, the authorities proceeded with his arrest and detention.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Amnesty International condemned the arrest and detention of Abdullahi, emphasizing that the Nigerian authorities should focus on addressing the country's severe economic challenges rather than silencing critical voices. The organization highlighted that millions of Nigerians are facing starvation, malnutrition, and deep poverty, making the government's priorities questionable.

"The Nigerian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release social media activist Junaidu Abdullahi [Abusalma] who was sent to Kano prison for posting a viral TikTok video calling for mass peaceful protest over widespread hunger across the country," the statement read.

Amnesty International criticized the government's swift move to imprison Abdullahi and the three-week adjournment of his case, interpreting it as a clear attempt to punish him for exercising his right to freedom of expression. The statement stressed that arresting critical voices should not be the government's priority, especially during a period of severe economic hardship.

The organization also pointed to a pattern of suppressing dissent under President Bola Tinubu's administration. In February, several individuals, including Aisha Jibrin, Fatima Aliyu, Fatima Isyaku, and twenty-two others, were unlawfully arrested in Minna, Niger State, for protesting against the high cost of living. Similarly, Fatima Auwal, the leader of local bread bakers in Kano, was arrested for protesting the rising price of flour.

Amnesty International's statement underscored the need for the Nigerian government to prioritize addressing these economic issues rather than cracking down on those who speak out against them. The organization called for the immediate release of Abdullahi and urged the authorities to respect the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful protest.

The arrest and detention of Junaidu Bala Abdullahi have sparked significant concern among human rights organizations and the general public. As Nigeria continues to face severe economic challenges, the government's focus on silencing dissent rather than addressing the root causes of these issues remains a contentious and troubling approach.