Amnesty International has strongly condemned the unlawful detention of Samuel Samuel II, who has been held in police custody for a week following his criticism of Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang.
The global human rights organization has expressed deep concerns over what it describes as a clear violation of Samuel’s rights to free speech and freedom of expression.
According to Amnesty International, Samuel’s detention was a blatant disregard for the rule of law, as his only apparent offence was expressing criticism of a public official.
The organization argued that this action set a dangerous precedent for freedom of expression in Nigeria, where dissenting voices were increasingly being silenced through intimidation, harassment, and unlawful detention.
“Samuel Samuel II is being unlawfully detained for merely exercising his fundamental right to freedom of expression, which is enshrined in both Nigerian law and international human rights conventions,” Amnesty International stated.
“The authorities must immediately and unconditionally release him and cease all attempts to intimidate or harass him.”
The organization warned that the unlawful detention of individuals for voicing opinions critical of public officials threatens the country’s democratic principles.
“Criticism is not a crime,” Amnesty reiterated, calling on the Nigerian government and Plateau State authorities to respect the rule of law and uphold the rights of citizens to express their views without fear of reprisal.
Amnesty International’s statement further underscored the need for accountability and respect for human rights in Nigeria. It urged law enforcement agencies and the government to refrain from using detention as a tool to suppress legitimate criticism and political dissent.
“Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of any functioning democracy, and the authorities must ensure that it is respected and protected, not undermined. Samuel Samuel II should be released immediately, and those responsible for this unlawful detention must be held accountable,” the statement concluded.
The case of Samuel Samuel II has drawn widespread attention from human rights groups and activists, who see it as part of a troubling trend of stifling dissent in Nigeria. Observers are closely watching how the Plateau State government and Nigerian authorities will respond to calls for Samuel’s release and the broader demand for respect for civil liberties in the country.
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