Where do we draw the line between social media shaming and human rights abuse? Does freedom of expression also mean a person can openly body shame another person without consequences and should power be used to restrict the freedom of expression of others?
Aminu Adamu, the student of the Federal University, Dutse, who was arrested after criticising First Lady Aisha Buhari, on Twitter, has been remanded at Suleja Prison in Niger State.
Back in June, the student had tweeted, “Su mama Anchi Kudin Talakawa an koshi”, meaning “Mama has fed fat on poor people’s money”.
Months after, security operatives arrested and whisked him to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he was beaten and tortured, according to his uncle.
The student was subsequently arraigned at a court in Abuja, where he was denied bail despite pleading not guilty to the charges filed against him.
Speaking with BBC Hausa, CK Agu, his lawyer, said, “Even in the court session yesterday, we notified the judge about the efforts made to have him released on bail, but we did not receive any reply from the police. We applied to the court to release the student on bail on health grounds and the fact that he will sit for the exam on 5, December. The court has ordered the police to provide the bail application before it for consideration between Tuesday and Wednesday,” Mr Agu was quoted to have said.
Aminu, who hails from Azare in Bauchi state, is a final-year student of the Department of Environmental Management at Federal University, Dutse.
His arrest had sparked outrage, especially on social media, where many Nigerians said no one should be arrested for airing their views.
Aminu’s parents have tendered apology to the First Lady and demanded his release. Aisha Buhari is yet to comment on the development.
