Amnesty International has condemned the arrest and remand of Kano-based TikToker Junaidu Abdullahi, popularly known as ‘Abusalma,’ for mobilizing mass protests over the country’s widespread hunger and suffering.

In a statement on Sunday, Amnesty International demanded Abdullahi’s immediate release, accusing 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 human rights organization stated.

Amnesty International criticized the government’s actions, describing the expedited court proceedings and the three-week adjournment of the case as a deliberate attempt to punish Abdullahi for exercising his freedom of expression.

In February, Amnesty International reported that Nigerian authorities unlawfully arrested Aisha Jibrin, Fatima Aliyu, Fatima Isyaku, and 22 others in Minna, Niger State, for participating in a protest against the severe cost of living crisis. The police also unlawfully detained Fatima Auwal, a local bread (Gurasa) baker, for protesting the hike in flour prices.

Abdullahi, a TikTok influencer based in Kano, was arrested by security agents after posting a viral video calling for mass protests against the severe hunger and economic hardship affecting many Nigerians.