Junaidu Abdullahi, a TikTok personality from Kano state, popularly known as Abusalma, was arrested on July 19th 2024 and subsequently held in prison for uploading a viral video, urging widespread protests against the country’s economic challenges.
Leadership news reported that a relative of Abusalma, Mustapha Hamza, confirmed the development to journalists.
He disclosed that Abusalma is currently detained at Kurmawa prison in Kano State.
He also disclosed that Court 38 on Zungeru Road in Kano ordered his detention and postponed the case until three weeks later.
The fact that youths are planning a protest under the hashtag #EndBadGovernment while having gained support in the North is well-known.
Abusalma clearly supported the planned action.
He posted a now-deleted video suggesting that any Islamic cleric opposing the protest should be removed from the pulpit.
“Any religious leader who spoke against peaceful protest over hardship, then he is not part of those suffering.
“And whoever stops you from expressing your grievances to your leaders through peaceful protest as provided by the constitution, I swear he is not among those who can’t afford a sack of maize at N100,000.
“I personally bought a bag of fertilizer at N49,000. That was the price of a sack of maize in the past.
“As I speak to you now, I gathered that the price of fertilizer has increased,”
Abusalma clarified that he was not inciting violence but remarked that if the protest resulted in the removal of the current government, “then so be it.”
“If protest will lead to overthrow of the government, so be it.
Any cleric who preaches against protest, pull him down from the pulpit. Pull him down,” Abusalma said.
Amnesty urges release of Abusalma
Amnesty International (AI) issued a statement Today demanding the immediate release of Abusalma.
The organization accused the Nigerian government of punishing him for exercising his fundamental rights.
“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 statement also mentioned past government actions against dissent.
They emphasized that “the Nigerian authorities should not prioritize arresting critical voices when millions are on the brink of starvation…
“Facing widespread malnutrition and severe poverty.”
Moreover, some active users of X (formerly known as Twitter) are rallying for the release of Abusalma.
They are employing the hashtag #FreeAbusalma to support their cause.
They are working to elevate awareness and garness support.
Numerous individuals are retweeting updates, posting personal messages of solidarity and urging the authorities to ensure his release and just treatment.