By Joe Udo
ABUJA (CONVERSEER) – The Nigerian Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly arrested a social media influencer, Sani Sarki (@Waspapping_) over social media posts supporting Iran, following the ongoing conflict involving the Islamic State, the United States and Israel.
According to reports from familiar sources, Sani was arrested on Friday evening alongside a friend, who was later released.
Sources link the detention to his sharp commentary on alleged Israeli actions in Gaza and shares urging stronger responses from Iran, though no official DSS statement confirms the reasons.
Associates report he’s been moved to an undisclosed location, past the 48-hour legal window for charges, sparking calls from activists like Omoyele Sowore and Amnesty International for his release on free speech grounds, while unverified claims of extremist ties circulate without evidence from authorities.
An X user, Engr. Khalid (@KHALYD16), familiar with the situation, wrote: “It is no longer a secret that, Sani Waspapping, has been abducted by the DSS.
“From what we have gathered so far, on Friday evening around NEPA Roundabout in Kaduna, @Waspapping_ was picked up alongside a friend who was later released. The arrest is allegedly linked to a post he made on X regarding the US and Israel.
“At the time, we deliberately chose to exercise restraint because some individuals came forward claiming they were ‘handling it’ and assured us they were mediating behind the scenes to secure his release ‘everything is under control’. We gave them the benefit of the doubt.
“But it is now Tuesday, and Sani’s whereabouts remain unknown. We have also received information that he has been moved to an undisclosed location.
“At this point, it is becoming increasingly clear that some people are more interested in protecting their own positions and keeping their noses clean than actually doing what was necessary.
“Let me be honest: People in power can burn anyone if it helps them remain close to power. I know a lot of you might not agree with what Sani was doing and rightly so, I don’t either. Desperate times…Enough of the pretence.
“We are, therefore, calling on everyone who genuinely believes in justice and due process to step forward. Do what you must on your end, and we will do what we must on ours, because this situation is clearly getting out of hand.
“We call on the DSS and all relevant authorities to immediately release Sani Waspapping. If there are allegations against him, he must be formally charged and taken before a court of law without delay. Due process is not optional; it is a constitutional obligation.
“A team of lawyers is already being assembled to formally engage the DSS and other relevant authorities in order to establish the legal basis for his detention and demand accountability.
“Nigeria is a sovereign nation governed by law. Our institutions must operate within the framework of the Constitution, not in a manner that suggests arbitrary detention, external pressure, or disregard for fundamental rights.
“The silence, the secrecy, and the games being played around this matter must stop.”
On his part, 2023 Presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, said: “I have learned that the lawless Department of State Services (DSS) has arbitrarily and unlawfully detained a social media influencer known as Sarki @Waspapping_.
“He was reportedly arrested over comments he made about the Israel–Iran war, particularly criticisms directed at the State of Israel over its egregious warmongering and crimes against humanity in Gaza and elsewhere.
“No Nigerian citizen should be arrested or detained simply for expressing opinions about the actions of foreign governments or commenting on ongoing international conflicts. Freedom of expression must apply equally to discussions about global affairs and acts of war involving foreign interests.
“The DSS must, therefore, immediately release Sarki @Waspapping_ and end this unlawful detention.
“Nigeria cannot claim to be a democracy while citizens are arrested for expressing views on international events.”
Meanwhile, Omotayo Williams claimed there was more to arrest than just social media tweets from Sani.
“Waspapping_ was not arrested because of social media tweets alone. If it was, he would have been released since Friday by his allies.
“It has been establish he has ties to Boko Haram and ISIS. He is undergoing serious grilling at the moment. Fingers Crossed. I wish him well.”
Waspappinngg was not arrested because of social media tweets alone. If it was, he would have been released since Friday by his allies.
It has been establish he has ties to Boko-Haram and ISIS. He is undergoing serious grilling at the moment.
Fingers Crossed. I wish him well.
— Omotayo Williams (@KadunaResident) March 10, 2026
Abu Amir also claimed, “The Waspapping has been moving on this app, you will think that man owns the Nigerian government in his pocket or he’s untouchable. He runs PR for many big politicians.
“Today, he has been behind bars for more than 3 days and neither the official he runs PR for nor their appointee were able to intervene.
“Lessons: politicians don’t value their attack dogs.”
The Waspapping has been moving on this app, you will think that man owns the Nigeria government in his pocket or he’s untouchable. He runs PR for many big politicians.
Today, he has been behind bars for more than 3 days and neither the official he runs PR for nor their…
— Abu Amir (@SadiqMaunde) March 10, 2026
See some of the posts from @Waspapping_ below:
We’ll update you once we have more details…
