Tinubu Death Rumor: Northern Youths Back DSS, Slam Amnesty

The Northern Ethnic Youths Group Assembly (NEYGA), a regional socio-cultural organization, has criticized Amnesty International for allegedly endorsing misinformation aimed at undermining Nigeria’s stability.

Their reaction followed the ruling of an Abuja Chief Magistrate Court on Friday, which ordered the detention of 29-year-old Ghali Isma’il. He had circulated TikTok videos falsely claiming that President Bola Tinubu had died from food poisoning.

Isma’il was apprehended by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and subsequently brought before the court to face legal proceedings.

The Department of State Services (DSS) told the court that the actions of TikTok user Ghali Isma’il violated Nigerian law.

In response, Amnesty International (AI) condemned the arrest, calling it a “blatant misuse of power.” The organization argued that the arrest was an attempt to silence young Nigerians and restrict their use of social media platforms. AI also claimed the authorities acted without properly verifying the authenticity of the viral videos.

However, the Northern Ethnic Youths Group Assembly (NEYGA) pushed back strongly against AI’s position. In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Ibrahim Dan-Musa, the group accused Amnesty International of exploiting the principle of free speech to fuel instability in the country.

“We commend the DSS for respecting the rule of law by seeking the court’s judgment on Isma’il’s actions,” Dan-Musa said.

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He went further to call for a deeper look into AI’s operations in Nigeria, saying, “Our security agencies, particularly the DSS, should investigate Amnesty International’s activities, as there are growing concerns about their true intentions.”

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Dan-Musa drew a parallel with past events, referencing the controversial claims made by Nnamdi Kanu regarding former President Muhammadu Buhari. “When Kanu spread the rumor that Buhari had died and been replaced by a Sudanese double, we denounced it—and look at the consequences that followed. That’s why we firmly reject both Isma’il’s recent falsehoods and the backing he’s receiving from Amnesty International.”