Political satirist Dan Bello arrested in Kano, later released

China based, Nigerian born political satirist, teacher and journalist, Bello Galadanci, popularly known as Dan Bello, has been arrested on arrival at the Aminu Kano International Airport, according to Human Rights Lawyer Deji Adeyanju.

He was later released, also, according to another lawyer, Abba Hikima, who posted a picture of himself and the activist shortly after the incident on his Facebook page with the caption “Guys, we’re good!”, suggesting that he had been released.

Dan Bello has become a household name on Nigeria’s social media space with his videos that blend social commentary and comedy. He has been critical of political actors, especially elected officials, chief among them is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu whom he nicknamed Tulumbu.

He has also not been sparing of the government of Kano State, exposing the poor state of infrastructure, especially schools and water plants.

Bello, a trained journalist who had worked with the Voice of America before relocating to China where he teaches in school, posts videos in Hausa, a language spoken widely in the north, along with English subtitles.

In a post on his X handle, Adeyanju said Dan Bello, upon arrival from China, was arrested at the airport in Kano.

He said: “I call on the police authority unconditionally and immediately to release activist Dan Bello who was arrested upon arrival from China at the Kano airport.”