The global human rights organization, Amnesty International, has condemned the detention of a Nigerian social media user, Sani Waspapping, by the Department of State Services, describing the arrest as arbitrary and a violation of due process.
According to Amnesty International, Waspapping was arrested in Kaduna on Friday and has remained in custody without access to his family members or legal representatives.
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The organization said the arrest is believed to be connected to the suspect’s social media posts relating to the ongoing war in the Middle East.
In a statement issued on Tuesday , Amnesty International expressed concern over the continued detention of Waspapping without formal charges.
“Amnesty International condemns the arbitrary detention of Sani Waspapping by the Department of State Services,” the statement read.
“Sani was arrested in Kaduna on Friday and remains in detention without access to family or lawyers. Sani Waspapping’s arrest is widely believed to be connected to his social media posts on the war in the Middle East.”
The rights group further noted that Waspapping is now the second individual to be detained by the DSS in connection with discussions surrounding the current situation in the Middle East.
“Right now, Sani Waspapping is the second person detained by the DSS in connection with the current situation in the Middle East,” Amnesty International said.
The organization urged Nigerian authorities to adhere strictly to the rule of law and respect the rights of detainees.
“The Nigerian authorities must abide by the rule of law at all times — including in the case of Sani Waspapping,” Amnesty International stated.
“He must be provided with prompt access to family and adequate legal assistance, charge him to court or release him from detention immediately.”
Amnesty International stressed that detaining individuals without access to legal counsel or their families undermines fundamental human rights and due process protections.
