Junaidu Abdullahi, widely known as Abusalma on TikTok, was detained after posting a viral video calling for mass protests over the severe economic hardships plaguing the country.
Abusalma, whose TikTok account boasts a significant following, posted a video last week urging people to take to the streets to peacefully protest the ongoing economic crisis. The video quickly went viral, with many netizens expressing support for his call to action.
However, the government did not accept Abusalma’s message. [insert date]Security personnel reportedly arrested the TikToker and later took him to Abuja. According to a relative, Mustapha Hamza, Abusalma was taken to Kurmawa Prison in Kano, where he is currently being held.
Abusalma’s arrest and subsequent detention sparked outrage among his supporters and human rights activists, who said the TikToker was exercising his right to free speech. Amnesty International Nigeria called for his immediate and unconditional release, stating that “Nigerian authorities must respect the right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression.“ .
A Nigerian TikToker, Junaidu Abdullahi aka Abusalma, has been detained after posting a viral video calling for protests against the plight in the country. photo.twitter.com/jnV4rKXkIT
– Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) July 21, 2024
In response to public outcry, the government has remained silent, making no official statement about Abusalma’s arrest or the charges against him. However, a source close to the matter revealed that the TikToker is suspected of inciting public unrest and disturbing the peace.
As the country grapples with economic hardship, Abusalma’s arrest has sparked a heated debate about the limits of free speech and the right to peaceful protest. Many citizens are now questioning whether the government is more concerned with silencing dissent than addressing the root causes of the economic crisis.
