Nigerian TikToker Junaidu Abdullahi, known as Abusalma, has been remanded in prison custody following the posting of a viral video calling for a mass protest against the country’s hardship.
According to DAILY NIGERIAN, Abusalma was allegedly detained by security agents on Wednesday and subsequently taken to Abuja. His relative, Mustapha Hamza, confirmed to reporters that Abusalma is currently held at Kurmawa prison in Kano.
Hamza recounted that Abusalma left home hastily on Wednesday morning after receiving an urgent call around 8:30 am, leaving without breakfast. His family lost contact with him afterward and reported him missing to the police. The police declared him missing via a radio call. Later, Hamza received a call informing him that Abusalma was in Kurmawa prison, remanded by Court 38 Zungeru Road, Kano, with the case adjourned for three weeks.
In the controversial video, Abusalma urged people to protest peacefully against hardship, criticizing any Islamic cleric who opposed such protests. He emphasized the right to express grievances and condemned the high prices of essential goods, comparing them to previous prices. Abusalma insisted that the government should handle those who cause disruptions during lawful protests and argued that protests do not lead to terrorism or banditry.
After posting the video, Abusalma deleted it and issued an apology to the Islamic clerics, urging people to avoid the protest to prevent a breakdown of law and order. The police have not responded to DAILY NIGERIAN’s inquiry regarding the incident.