Amnesty International has strongly condemned the continued detention of popular Nigerian social media personality, Ghali Isma’il, also known as Sultan, over a video he shared regarding President Bola Tinubu’s health.
The human rights organization described his arrest and ongoing prosecution as an abuse of authority and a violation of basic civil liberties.
In a statement published on its official Facebook page, the organization called for his immediate release, declaring: “Free Ghali Isma’il Now!”
Amnesty labelled the actions taken by Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) as both illegal and oppressive, pointing to what it referred to as a “sham trial based on bogus charges.”
Isma’il is currently being held at the Keffi Correctional Centre. He was arrested by DSS operatives after a video posted on the TikTok account @bola_asiwaju alleged that President Tinubu had died from poisoning-related complications.
In response, the federal government filed a two-count charge against him, accusing him of spreading false information and inciting public unrest.
Amnesty International has expressed serious concerns over the handling of the case. The group revealed that on July 29, 2025, DSS operatives stormed the correctional facility where Isma’il is held and allegedly forced him to surrender access to his iCloud, mobile phones, and social media accounts—actions reportedly carried out without the presence of any legal counsel.
“This unlawful act has not only devastating impact on right to privacy but also profoundly affects the rights to freedom of expression, association,” Amnesty stated.
The organization said Ghali’s ongoing detention reflects a wider pattern of censorship and intimidation against online voices in Nigeria. It accused the security agency of creating an atmosphere of fear that discourages public discussion and suppresses opposing views.
“Persistent state repression by the DSS… creates an environment of self-censorship and fear — depriving people of the right to freedom of expression,” it warned.
Amnesty went further to condemn government efforts to clamp down on social media usage and public opinion, emphasizing that: “Using repressive tactics to control what Nigerians do on social media is an unacceptable violation of human rights. This must stop.”
Amnesty reiterated its stance that the charges against Isma’il should be dropped without delay.
“The Nigerian government must immediately and unconditionally release Ghali Isma’il and drop all plans to put him through a sham trial,” the organization demanded.
