Amnesty International Nigeria has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Imran Usman Wakili from the custody of the Nigerian government. Wakili was reportedly apprehended for postings on social media that claimed a low turnout at the APC presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna State.
The group further alleged that Nasir El-Rufai, a former governor of Kaduna State, had been wrongfully held for over 260 days, and that Wakili was singled out for persecution due to his outspoken support for El-Rufai.
“His detention is unlawful and shows the Nigerian government’s complete disdain for due process,” Amnesty International said in a statement released on X, describing Wakili’s detention as a breach of his rights.
Security agents tracked Wakili to his home in an estate in Karu, on the outskirts of Abuja, and arrested him on October 29, according to the organization.
Amnesty International reports that at approximately 4:30 pm, a group of armed police officers approached the estate and requested that the security guards lead them to Wakili’s flat.
Reports indicate that the authorities apprehended both the estate manager and his younger brother, who resides with him, upon learning of his absence from the residence.
Because of the denial of access to his family and counsel, the organization was worried that Wakili may be subject to mistreatment.
“Right now, Imran is at the risk of ill-treatment, as he had been denied access to family and lawyer in utter disregard for the rule of law.”
According to Amnesty International, Wakili was retaliated against by the government because he spoke his opinions on social media.
The consequences for Imran’s critical and rebellious social media posts are evident. The unlawful detention of Imran Wakili demonstrates an abuse of power, as he did not commit any crime. He has every right to voice his disapproval of any issue of public concern, according to the group.
According to it, it was completely unacceptable to imprison someone just because they wanted to express themselves freely.
Furthermore, the human rights group contended that, in accordance with international human rights legislation, there are insufficient grounds for police to arbitrarily detain someone only because they posted anything online that would offend public officials or prominent persons.
Regarding what it deemed as ongoing assaults on human rights, it demanded that President Bola Tinubu’s administration cease such actions and adhere to the rule of law.