DSS Arrests Sani 'Waspapping' In Kaduna Over Post On US-Iran-Israel War

 The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a prominent social media commentator and influencer known as Sani "Waspapping" in Kaduna, with reports linking the detention to his online posts about the ongoing tensions involving the United States, Iran, and Israel.

The arrest occurred on Friday evening, March 6, 2026, near the NEPA Roundabout in Kaduna. According to accounts from associates and sources close to the matter, Sani also popularly referred to as "Sarki" on X (formerly Twitter) was picked up alongside a friend, who was later released. As of Tuesday, March 10, his exact whereabouts remain unclear, with claims that he has been moved to an undisclosed location. He is reportedly being held without access to family members or legal counsel.

The development first gained widespread attention through a report by Sahara Reporters, which cited sources familiar with the situation. Friends and supporters have described the arrest as arbitrary, tagging it an "abduction" and demanding his immediate release. They argue that the detention stems from his commentary on the US-Iran-Israel conflict, particularly views critical of Israel's actions in the Middle East. However, the precise content of the post or posts in question has not been publicly detailed in the reports, and the DSS has not issued an official statement confirming the reasons for the arrest or the specific charges, if any.

Human rights advocates have weighed in strongly. Amnesty International Nigeria condemned the detention as arbitrary, noting that Sani is the second individual reportedly held by the DSS in connection with commentary on the Middle East situation. The organization called for prompt access to family and lawyers, urging authorities to either charge him in court or release him without delay. Prominent voices, including activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, have echoed these concerns, describing the DSS action as unlawful and a violation of freedom of expression. Sowore emphasized that no citizen should face detention for sharing opinions on foreign governments or international conflicts, stressing that such views fall under protected speech in a democracy.

Public reactions on social media have been mixed. Some users have defended the arrest, pointing to Sani's history of controversial posts that have touched on religious, tribal, or other sensitive topics, suggesting the move could help curb incitement. Others have expressed alarm over what they see as a pattern of using security agencies to silence dissent, even when it involves global issues rather than domestic politics. Calls for transparency and due process have grown louder, with supporters assembling a team of lawyers to engage the authorities and seek clarity on the legal basis for the continued holding.

The incident brings a debate in Nigeria about the balance between national security, freedom of speech, and the role of agencies like the DSS in monitoring online activity. While the service has in the past arrested individuals over cyber-related offenses or threats to public order, detentions linked to commentary on international affairs remain contentious. Critics argue that such actions risk undermining constitutional rights, especially when no formal charges are promptly filed.

As the situation develops, pressure continues to mount for the DSS to provide updates and adhere to legal procedures. For the moment  Sani Waspapping remains in custody, and the case has drawn attention to the intersection of social media influence, geopolitical commentary, and state security responses in the country.