‘Satirising those in power not a crime’ — Amnesty condemns flogging sentence of Kano TikTokers

Amnesty International has condemned the flogging sentence handed to two TikTokers who made a video criticising Abdullahi Ganduje, the Kano state governor.

TheCable Lifestyle earlier reported how the TikTok users, identified as Mubarak Muhammad (Uniquepikin) and Nazifi Muhammed, were sentenced to flogging for allegedly defaming the state governor.

The skit makers were arrested and taken to court after they were seen in the TikTok video referring to Ganduje as a “corrupt politician” who sold every available plot of land in the state.

They were charged to court on two-count charges of defamation and sedition.

At the hearing, the magistrate ordered that the pair be given 20 strokes of the cane each and also be made to sweep the court premises for 30 days.

The court also ordered the skirt makers to pay a fine of N10,000 each.

Condemning the sentence in a statement on Wednesday, Amnesty described it as an infringement on their human rights.

Osai Ojigho, the director of Amnesty International Nigeria said: “The decision to remand them in prison for a week without trial is a brazen violation of their fair trial rights.

“Satirizing those in authority is not a crime. Nigerian authorities must immediately quash this appalling sentence.

“Authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Mubarak Muhammad and Nazifi Muhammad as they are sentenced solely for peacefully exercising their human rights.

“Nigerian authorities must respect, protect, promote, and fulfil the right of everyone to freedom of expression.

“The outrageous court order to flog and fine them is heavy-handed and clearly aimed at gagging young Nigerians and restricting their access to social media.”

Amnesty charged the federal government to quash what it described as a “cruel justice system”.

“Nigerian authorities must quash these cruel sentences and immediately and unconditionally release Mubarak Muhammad and Nazifi Muhammad,” it added.

“Authorities must ensure that Mubarak Muhammad and Nazifi Muhammad are protected from torture and other ill-treatment.

“Increasingly, Nigerians who use social media to comment on social and political issues face intimidation.

“Some have come under attacks and threats of arrest. Using repressive tactics to control what Nigerians do on social media is an unacceptable violation of human rights. This must stop.”