Amnesty International has called on Nigerian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Imran Usman Wakili, who was allegedly arrested and detained over social media posts criticising the low turnout at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna State.
The human rights organisation said Wakili was also targeted for his strong support for former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who it claimed had been unlawfully detained for more than 260 days.
Amnesty International described Wakili’s detention as arbitrary and unlawful, accusing the Nigerian authorities of disregarding due process and abusing their powers.
According to the organisation, security operatives tracked Wakili to his residence in an estate in Karu, on the outskirts of Abuja, on October 29.
It alleged that a heavily armed contingent of policemen invaded the estate at about 4:30 p.m. and requested that security personnel direct them to Wakili’s apartment.
Upon discovering that he was not at home, the operatives reportedly arrested his younger brother, who lives with him, as well as the estate manager.
Amnesty International expressed concern that Wakili was at risk of ill-treatment, alleging that he had been denied access to his family and lawyer.
The organisation said his detention appeared to be punishment for his critical and dissenting social media posts, insisting that he had committed no crime.
“Imran Wakili did not commit any crime, and his unlawful detention shows abuse of power,” the organisation said.
It maintained that Wakili had the right to express critical opinions on matters of public interest, stressing that detaining him solely for exercising his freedom of expression was unacceptable.
Amnesty International further argued that under international human rights law, the mere fact that a social media post is considered offensive or unpalatable by government officials or public figures does not justify arbitrary detention.
It urged the Nigerian authorities to respect the rule of law, protect freedom of expression and release Wakili immediately and unconditionally.
