Amnesty Internationa (AI) and Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Projects (SERAP) have condemned the conviction of two Tiktokkers in Kano for posting a video titled ‘Ganduje sleeps a lot’.
Newsonline reports that the two rights groups AI and SERAP also condemned the court decision for the two convicts to be flogged 20 lashes publicly.
Recall that a Magistrate court in Kano, No Man Land Magistrate Court on Tuesday convicted Mubarak Isa Muhammad and Nazifi Muhammad Bala, and ordered that they be flogged 20 lashes for defaming the governor of Kano State, Umar Ganduje.
Magistrate Aminu Muhammad Gabari, who convicted the duo also ordered the Tiktokers to sweep the court premises and wash toilets for 30 days for defaming the character of the Kano governor.
Aminu Muhammad Gabari ordered the convicts to pay a fine of N10,000 each for defaming the character of the governor.
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He also ordered them to pay another fine of N10,000 each for inciting public disturbance.
Gabari also ordered the convicts to make a video on social media in which they will tender an apology to Governor Ganduje.
Reacting to the judgment, SERAP said the Kano State government and the Federal government have to quash the judgment.
“The Buhari and Ganduje administrations must immediately quash the despicable flogging sentence of Kano TikTokers. Mubarak Muhammad and Nazifi Muhammad must be immediately released. Freedom of expression is a fundamental right,” SERAP demanded.
Amnesty Internation in a statement said the sentencing of the Tiktokkers known as Uniquepikin for allegedly defaming Governor Umaru Ganduje of Kano State for satirizing a societal ill was a violation of the rights of the two.
“Amnesty International condemns the sentencing of TikTokers Mubarak Muhammad (Uniquepikin) and Nazifi Muhammad for allegedly defaming the governor of Kano state in northern Nigeria.
“The decision to remand them in prison for a week without trial is a brazen violation of their fair trial rights. Satirizing those in authority is not a crime. Nigerian authorities must immediately quash this appalling sentence,” Amnesty said.
