The global advocacy group described Adamu’s detention for 10 days as a brazen violation of his human rights.
Amnesty International has condemned the detention of comedian Saidu Adamu, popularly known as Cartoon BoyTV, by the secret police, Department of State Services “at the behest of politicians in Kogi state”.
The global advocacy group described Adamu’s detention for 10 days as a brazen violation of his human rights.
On Thursday, SaharaReporters reported the arrest of the online influencer in Abuja after his return from Accra, Ghana.
Human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 election, Omoyele Sowore, disclosed that the comedian was arrested “on the allegation of criticising the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Edward Onoja”.
He, therefore, called for the immediate release of the Kogi influencer.
It was gathered that shortly after his arrest and brief detention in Abuja, he was sent to the Kogi State headquarters of the DSS, where he is being detained without trial.
In a statement on Friday, Amnesty International said, “Detaining him for ten days is a brazen violation of his human rights. Criticizing and satirizing those in authority is not a crime.
“Detaining Adamu Saidu is just the latest attack on freedom of expression — that also expose the Nigerian authorities’ complete disregard for freedom of expression.
“Nigerian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Adamu Saidu in compliance with the obligations to respect, protect, promote, and fulfil the right of everyone to freedom of expression.”