Amnesty International Slams DSS Over Detention of TikTok Critic, Ghali Isma’il

Global human rights watchdog Amnesty International has condemned the continued detention of Nigerian social media commentator Ghali Isma’il, popularly known as Sultan, over a video he posted discussing President Bola Tinubu’s health.

Ghali, who was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), is currently being held at the Keffi Correctional Centre. Amnesty International described his arrest as an outright abuse of power and a serious violation of his civil rights.

In a strongly worded post on its official Facebook page, the group demanded Ghali’s immediate and unconditional release, declaring:

“Free Ghali Isma’il Now!”

According to Amnesty, the charges against Ghali are baseless, and the trial being prepared is nothing more than a “sham process based on bogus accusations.”

The incident stems from a video posted on TikTok via the handle @bola_asiwaju, in which Ghali allegedly claimed that President Tinubu had died from poisoning complications. The federal government swiftly charged him with spreading false information and inciting public unrest.

Amnesty International has also accused the DSS of crossing legal and ethical lines. On July 29, 2025, DSS agents reportedly stormed the prison facility where Ghali is held and forced him to give up access to his iCloud, phones, and social media accounts — all without legal representation.

The rights group described this act as an invasion of privacy and an attack on digital freedom, saying:

“This unlawful act not only violates the right to privacy, but also undermines freedom of expression and association.”

Amnesty further raised alarm over a growing trend of state-led censorship and intimidation targeting online voices in Nigeria. It warned that this environment of fear and repression could lead to widespread self-censorship among citizens.

“Trying to control what Nigerians say or do on social media using repressive tactics is a clear violation of human rights. This must stop,” Amnesty stated.

The organization is now calling on the Nigerian government to immediately drop all charges against Ghali Isma’il, warning that the continued crackdown on dissenters only damages the country’s reputation on the global stage.

As the story unfolds, many Nigerians and free speech advocates are watching closely — worried about what this means for digital rights, freedom of expression, and the space for open political dialogue in the country.