The Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly arrested prominent social commentator Sani Waspapping, also known online as ‘Sarki,’ in Kaduna, SaharaReporters has learned. Sources familiar with the development said the arrest took place on Friday evening.
As of the time of filing this report, the exact charges against Waspapping remain unclear. Friends, associates, and online users have called for his immediate release, emphasizing that freedom of speech is a fundamental right guaranteed to all Nigerians.
Several reports suggest that the arrest may be linked to a post Waspapping made regarding the ongoing tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran, though SaharaReporters could not independently verify this claim. Some have described the arrest as an “abduction.”
“Whoever is behind Sani Waspapping’s arrest should release him to reunite with his family safely. Every Nigerian has freedom of speech; why censoring a citizen or arresting them?” wrote Yusuf Ahmed Snup on Facebook.
AbdulSalam Ahmad, a source familiar with the case, added on X: “It is no longer a secret that Sani Waspapping has been abducted by the DSS. From what we have gathered, he was taken on Friday evening around NEPA Roundabout in Kaduna. He was picked up alongside a friend who was later released. The arrest is allegedly linked to a post he made about the US and Israel.”
Ahmad further noted that attempts to secure Waspapping’s release through intermediaries were unsuccessful. “It is now Tuesday, and Sani’s whereabouts remain unknown. We have received information that he has been moved to an undisclosed location,” he wrote.
Calls for accountability are growing, with supporters stressing the need for due process. “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 brought before a court of law without delay. Due process is not optional; it is a constitutional obligation,” Ahmad stated.
A legal team is reportedly being assembled to engage with the DSS and other authorities to determine the legal basis for Waspapping’s detention and demand transparency.
“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 statement added. “The silence, the secrecy, and the games being played around this matter must stop.”