Omoyele Sowore, a human rights activist, has accused Nigeria’s secret police of wrongfully detaining a social media influencer for comments about the continuing crisis between Israel and Iran.
Sowore claimed in a social media statement that the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested an influencer named Sarki because of comments he made concerning the Israel-Iran conflict.
According to Sowore, the influencer was jailed after tweeting comments denouncing Israel’s conduct, particularly the ongoing conflict and military operations in Gaza.
Sowore wrote: “I have learned that the lawless Department of State Services (DSS) has arbitrarily and unlawfully detained a social media influencer known as Sarki @Waspapping_.”
He further stated that the arrest was motivated by the influencer’s criticism of Israel’s conduct in Gaza and other conflict-affected places.
The activist vehemently decried the claimed detention, citing it as an attack on citizens’ rights to openly voice their views on international issues.
He claimed that Nigerians should not be arrested simply for discussing global crises or critiquing foreign administrations.
Sowore remarked that freedom of expression must include discussions about international events, particularly wars involving other countries.
“No Nigerian citizen should be arrested or detained simply for expressing opinions about the actions of foreign governments or commenting on ongoing international conflicts,” he said.
The activist also expressed concern that punishing residents for sharing their ideas online could harm Nigeria’s democratic reputation.
He requested that the DSS immediately free the influencer and cease what he called an unjust incarceration.
“Nigeria cannot claim to be a democracy while citizens are arrested for expressing views on international events,” Sowore added.
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