Amnesty International has strongly criticised the detention of social media personality Ghali Isma’il by Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS).
The human rights organisation described the arrest, which followed Isma’il’s video commentary about President Bola Tinubu’s health, as an abuse of power and an attack on freedom of expression.
In a statement released on its official social media platform, Amnesty International accused Nigerian authorities of acting hastily without a proper investigation into the authenticity of the video in question.
The group argued that the arrest reflects a disturbing pattern of attempts to silence young Nigerians and restrict their ability to engage in critical discussions on social media platforms.
“The DSS flagrantly arrested Ghali Isma’il without thoroughly investigating the video’s veracity,” the statement read. “This demonstrates both incompetence and a desperate attempt to gag young citizens from examining societal issues and asking important questions.”
Amnesty International demanded Isma’il’s immediate and unconditional release, warning against what it described as plans to subject him to a “sham trial” based on questionable charges.
The organisation emphasised that such actions violate fundamental human rights and create a climate of fear that stifles free speech.
“Nigerian authorities must respect, protect, and fulfil the right to freedom of expression for all citizens,” the statement continued. “These heavy-handed arrests endanger democratic principles and basic freedoms.”
The Ghali Isma’il’s case has sparked concerns among civil society groups about increasing government censorship and the shrinking space for free expression in Nigeria. Amnesty’s intervention highlights growing international scrutiny of Nigeria’s human rights record regarding digital freedoms and press expression.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
