Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have reportedly arrested a popular social media influencer, Sani Waspapping, popularly known as “Sarki” on X.
The influencer was said to have been taken into custody on the evening of Friday, March 6, 2026, although the exact reason for his arrest has not been officially disclosed.
According to reports by Sahara Reporters, friends and associates of the influencer have been calling for his immediate release, arguing that citizens have a constitutional right to freedom of expression.
Some of his supporters claim the arrest may be connected to his online comments regarding the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. However, the report noted that this claim could not be independently verified.
Reacting to the development, a Facebook user identified as Yusuf Ahmed Snup questioned the basis of the arrest and urged authorities to release the influencer.
“Whoever is behind Sani Waspapping’s arrest should release him to reunite with his family safely. Every Nigerian has freedom of speech; why censor a citizen or arrest them?” he wrote.
Another individual familiar with the situation, AbdulSalam Ahmad, also alleged in a post on X that Waspapping was picked up around the NEPA Roundabout in Kaduna.
He claimed the influencer was arrested alongside a friend who was later released. According to him, the arrest was allegedly linked to a post the influencer made about the United States and Israel.
Ahmad further stated that efforts had initially been made to resolve the situation quietly, as some individuals reportedly claimed they were working behind the scenes to secure Waspapping’s release. However, days later, his whereabouts remain unknown.
He alleged that the influencer may have been moved to an undisclosed location, raising concerns among supporters and rights advocates.
Meanwhile, those close to the influencer have called on the DSS and other relevant authorities to either release him or formally charge him in court if there are allegations against him.
They stressed that due process must be followed, noting that Nigeria’s legal system requires suspects to be charged and tried in accordance with the law.
A legal team is also reportedly being assembled to engage with the DSS and determine the legal basis for Waspapping’s detention.
The controversy comes amid heightened global tensions following the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which reportedly began on February 28 after missile strikes targeted Iran and resulted in the death of the country’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
Iran later responded with missile attacks on Israeli and U.S. military bases across the Middle East, escalating the situation into a wider regional conflict.
