Amnesty International has criticised the arrest of a Nigerian man over comments shared online, describing the action as unlawful and a threat to freedom of expression.
The rights organisation raised concerns after the individual was reportedly taken into custody by security operatives following social media posts critical of public officials. Amnesty International said the arrest reflects a growing pattern of using security agencies to silence dissenting voices in the digital space.
In a statement addressing the incident, Amnesty International said, “the arrest is unlawful and violates the individual’s right to freedom of expression.” The organisation added that criticism of public officials does not constitute a crime under Nigerian law and should not attract punitive measures.
The case has attracted attention among civil society groups, digital rights advocates, and young Nigerians who rely heavily on online platforms to express opinions on governance, policy, and social issues. Many have argued that such arrests discourage open dialogue and civic engagement, particularly among youths.
Legal experts note that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of expression, including the right to hold opinions and share information without interference. They warn that actions perceived as targeting online critics could undermine trust in democratic institutions.
Amnesty International has called on authorities to immediately release the individual and drop any charges related to the online posts. The organisation also urged the government to respect human rights obligations and ensure that law enforcement agencies act within the limits of the law.
The incident comes amid broader debates about digital rights, social media regulation, and the balance between national security and free speech in Nigeria. Youth advocacy groups have continued to push for clearer legal protections for online expression.
Authorities have not issued a detailed response on the specific case, but officials have previously stated that arrests linked to online activity are conducted within legal frameworks.
As conversations around digital freedoms grow louder, observers say how institutions handle such cases will shape public confidence in Nigeria’s commitment to civil liberties in the digital age.
