Amnesty International has condemned the alleged arbitrary detention of a Kaduna-based man, Sani Waspapping, by the State Security Service, SSS,, calling on Nigerian authorities to either charge him to court or release him immediately.
In a statement on Monday, the global human rights organisation said Mr Waspapping was arrested in Kaduna on Friday and has remained in detention without access to his family or legal representatives.
Amnesty International said the circumstances surrounding his arrest raised serious concerns about respect for the rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights in Nigeria.
According to the organisation, Mr Waspapping’s arrest is widely believed to be linked to comments he posted on social media regarding the ongoing war in the Middle East.
The rights group noted that the continued detention of the Kaduna resident without due process violates basic legal safeguards.
“Sani Waspapping was arrested in Kaduna on Friday and remains in detention without access to family or lawyers,” Amnesty International said.
The organisation added that Mr Waspapping is the second individual reportedly detained by the SSS in connection with reactions to the current situation in the Middle East.
Amnesty International urged Nigerian authorities to ensure that his rights are respected and that legal procedures are strictly followed.
“The Nigerian authorities must abide by the rule of law at all times — including in the case of Sani Waspapping,” the organisation said.
It further demanded that the detainee be granted prompt access to his family and adequate legal assistance.
Amnesty International also called on the authorities to either formally charge him before a competent court of law or release him from detention without delay.
The SSS has yet to issue an official statement on the arrest as of the time of filing this report.
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