Public outcry as man who posted viral video of Sokoto governor's wife's lavish party is arrested

Tuesday, August 27, 2024 -Nigerians are calling out the Sokoto State Government over the arrest of a social media user, Shafi’u Umar Tureta.

 The social media critic was arrested by heavily armed policemen after he posted a viral video of the “lavish and extravagant birthday party of the governor’s wife.”

 The video generated multiple talking points. Some pointed out that the governor was struggling to speak in English language. Others criticised the lavish spray of money at the event and questioned why EFCC has made no arrests.
 Umar Tureta was arrested afterwards.

 Now, social media users are accusing the Sokoto State Government of influencing Tureta's arrest.

Amnesty International has also reacted, urging the Sokoto State Government to free Tureta. The human rights group alleged that “Right now, plans are underway to drag Shafi’u Tureta before a court, in an attempt to seek prolonged remand in prison, to allow ample time to fabricate bogus charges against him 

“Sokoto State government must immediately and unconditionally release Shafi’u Umar Tureta. This surge in human rights violations by Sokoto State government is unacceptable and must end now.”

The group urged the government to prioritize addressing poverty, out-of-school children littering the streets of Sokoto and ending rampant insecurity in the state.