First Lady, Aisha Buhari and the Department of State Services (DSS) are facing criticism over the arrest of a young Nigerian after a remark on Twitter.
Aminu Adamu, a student of the Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State, is in detention for commenting on Aisha’s weight.
In June 2022, the undergraduate tweeted “Su mama anchi kudin talkawa ankoshi” (The mother has got fatter by eating masses’ money).
The post, which suggests President Muhammadu Buhari’s wife benefited from alleged corrupt practices, generated many reactions.
Aminu’s friends said the tweet was in protest of the eight-month strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The industrial action infuriated thousands of students so much that they made comments, videos, and organised rallies against the government.
After the revelation of Aminu’s ordeal by Peoples Gazette, Nigerians are clamouring for his immediate trial or release.
The 23-year-old, arrested within campus around 12 noon on November 8, was only allowed to speak to his father, Shalele Azare Adamu.
As of Sunday night, Aisha Buhari was trending on Twitter with more than 60,000 mentions as users mount pressure on the authorities to free the student.
Legal practitioner, Inibehe Effiong said it is petty, ridiculous and unconstitutional for the DSS to hold a citizen for “mockery”.
Effiong insists Nigeria is not Iran, North Korea or China and vowed that reckless abuse of power will not be tolerated.
The rights activist stated that Mrs Aisha Buhari should have taken Muhammed to court for libel if she felt defamed.
Effiong said using the secret police to detain a youth “is another evidence of the culture of crass impunity that pervades the Buhari regime”.
“It is not acceptable to deploy state apparatus in such a draconian and oppressive manner the way Mrs Aisha Buhari has done to settle personal scores. The DSS has no jurisdiction in this case”, he added,
Oladipo Atinuke Sherifat popularly known as arikeokin 100, she is an Award winning Writer, On Air Personality, Community Developer, an enthusiast in writing journalistic beats, and editorial.
At the same time she volunteered in developing the community radio at KwaraPoly Radio.
She holds a Diploma in Mass Communication from a reputable higher institution in Nigeria and is currently a correspondent at Satcom Media.