Nigerian TikToker, Junaidu Abdullahi Arrested After Viral Call For Mass Protest

Junaidu Abdullahi, known on TikTok as Abusalma, has been remanded in Kurmawa Prison, Kano, following his viral video calling for mass protests against the country's economic hardships.

Abdulahi was reportedly apprehended by security agents on Wednesday and transported to Abuja. His relative, Mustapha Hamza, confirmed that Abdullahi is now detained in Kurmawa Prison after a court order from Court 38 on Zungeru Road, Kano. Hamza noted that Abdullahi left home abruptly on Wednesday morning following an urgent call and was last seen by his family before his sudden disappearance.

The family had initially reported him as missing to local authorities. It wasn’t until Friday evening that they were informed of his detention in Kano. The court has adjourned the case for three weeks.

The viral video that led to Abdullahi’s arrest featured him criticizing Islamic clerics who opposed the planned protests. He urged that such clerics be removed from their positions if they do not support the constitutional right to peaceful protest against economic challenges. Abdullahi's video also highlighted the struggles of ordinary Nigerians, mentioning the high cost of basic goods like maize.