Amnesty International has condemned the continued incarceration of popular social media personality, Ghali Isma’il—widely known as Sultan—by the Department of State Services (DSS), calling for his immediate and unconditional release.
The international human rights group disclosed that Isma’il was apprehended for uploading a video on TikTok in which he made remarks regarding President Bola Tinubu’s health status.
Currently detained at the Keffi Correctional Facility, reports suggest that authorities plan to charge him in court. Amnesty International has, however, dismissed the case as a “sham trial” rooted in fabricated accusations.
The organisation also criticised the DSS for allegedly breaching Isma’il’s privacy by extracting passwords to his iCloud, phones, and social media platforms without involving his legal representatives.
“This latest display of impunity by the DSS is deeply troubling. They forcibly accessed his personal data without consulting his lawyers, which is a gross violation of his privacy and an attack on the rights to free expression and association,” the organisation stated.
Amnesty International further expressed concern over what it described as the agency’s increasing intimidation of online voices, noting that such acts are instilling fear in the digital space.
“The persistent repression by the DSS is fostering a climate of fear and self-censorship. People are now scared to freely express themselves online,” the group noted.
It also pointed out that social media users in Nigeria who express dissenting opinions are frequently harassed.
“Nigerians commenting on political or societal issues online are being threatened and, in some cases, arrested. This aggressive crackdown on online expression must end,” Amnesty said.
Reiterating its position, the organisation demanded that all judicial proceedings against Isma’il be halted and that he be freed without conditions.
“We call on the Nigerian authorities to stop the trial and release Ghali Isma’il immediately and unconditionally.”
Case Background
Ghali Isma’il, who hails from Jogana village in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State, was arrested after sharing TikTok videos where he falsely alleged that President Tinubu had died due to poisoning.
He is being tried on two counts: one for allegedly publishing false news with the intention of causing public disorder and another for inciting disaffection against the government.
As stipulated under Sections 418 and 416 of the Penal Code Act, the first charge alleges that on or about July 20, 2025, within the court’s jurisdiction, Isma’il posted a video via his verified TikTok account, ‘bola-asiwaju’, claiming—without evidence—that President Tinubu had been poisoned and was critically ill, a statement aimed at inciting fear and panic.
The second count accuses him of sharing the misleading content with the goal of stirring up hatred or contempt against the President.
During court proceedings, DSS lawyers maintained that the video was deliberately crafted to provoke public unrest and discredit the President’s image.
Magistrate Ekpeyong Iyang rejected Isma’il’s application for bail and ordered that he be remanded in custody until his next court appearance on August 19.
Stay updated on human rights and political developments via our WhatsApp channel:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VabITrvEAKW7DSkTfP0J