Amnesty International Demands Release Of TikToker Detained Over Tinubu‘s Death Claim
Amnesty International has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Ghali Isma’il, a popular TikToker known as Sultan, who is being detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) over a video about President Bola Tinubu’s health.
The organisation described his detention as unlawful and warned that plans to arraign him on what it termed “bogus charges” amounted to a sham trial aimed at silencing dissent.
In a statement on Wednesday, Amnesty accused the DSS of overstepping its bounds, alleging that its operatives “forcefully obtained passwords to his iCloud, phones and social media accounts without consulting his lawyers.”
“This unlawful act is not just an attack on privacy; it deeply undermines freedom of expression and association,” it said.
Amnesty also raised concerns about what it described as a growing pattern of intimidation against social media users in Nigeria, warning that such practices were fostering fear and self-censorship.
“Nigerians who use social media to comment on political and social issues are increasingly facing intimidation, threats and arrests. Using repressive tactics to police online speech is an unacceptable violation of human rights. This must stop,” the group added.
Isma’il, 29, from Jogana village in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State, was arrested after posting a video in which he falsely claimed that President Tinubu had died from poisoning.
He is facing two charges — publishing false news to disturb public peace and inciting disaffection against the government — under Sections 418 and 416 of the Penal Code Act.
The DSS argued in court that his video was aimed at provoking unrest and undermining the president’s credibility.
Magistrate Ekpeyong Iyang refused his bail application and ordered that he remain in custody at Keffi Prison until the next hearing scheduled for August 19.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
