Nigerian political satirist and social media personality, Bello Habib Galadanchi, popularly known as Dan Bello, was briefly detained on Saturday afternoon upon arrival at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, sources confirmed.
Dan Bello, who has gained widespread online attention for his satirical skits targeting corruption and misgovernance in Nigeria, was reportedly arrested on the orders of authorities in Abuja. The arrest occurred shortly after he landed from China, where he is based.
Freedom Radio Kano first reported citing unnamed sources who linked the arrest to his politically charged content. Dan Bello has regularly posted videos mocking top government officials, including state governors and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he has accused of enriching themselves at the expense of suffering Nigerians.
His skits often filmed in the style of dramatized commentary have tackled the decay of public schools, collapsed health facilities, and growing hardship in the country.
Although the reason for his arrest remains unclear, it drew swift public attention due to his profile as a vocal critic of the political elite. However, he was released shortly after the arrest, according to his associate.
Abba Hikima, a Kano-based lawyer and close ally of Dan Bello, shared a photo of the two on his Facebook page with the caption: “Guys, we are good,” suggesting the satirist was in stable condition and no longer in custody.
As of press time, no official statement has been issued by the Nigerian Immigration Service or other security agencies regarding the arrest and release.
Dan Bello’s brief detention adds to growing concerns over shrinking civic space and clampdowns on dissenting voices in Nigeria, especially as satirists and digital content creators increasingly use social media to challenge those in power.
(WikiTimes)
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