Sowore Demands Immediate Release of Arewa Influencer Waspapping Following DSS Arrest
Former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has issued a strong call for the immediate release of popular Arewa X influencer Sarki, widely known as Waspapping, who was reportedly arrested by officials of the Department of State Security (DSS) on the evening of Friday, March 7. The arrest has sparked significant concern among free speech advocates and social media users across Nigeria.
Arrest Linked to Comments on International Conflict
According to reports, Waspapping, a vocal figure on the X platform known for his outspoken views on politics and global affairs, was allegedly detained over a post he made regarding the ongoing US/Israel/Iran war. Specifically, his comments are said to have included criticisms directed at the State of Israel concerning its actions in Gaza and other regions, which he described as "egregious warmongering and crimes against humanity."
In a post shared on X, Sowore condemned the arrest, arguing that no Nigerian citizen should face detention simply for expressing opinions about the actions of foreign governments or commenting on international conflicts. He emphasized that freedom of expression must apply equally to discussions about global affairs, including acts of war involving foreign interests.
Sowore's Statement and Broader Implications
Sowore's statement reads in part: "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... No Nigerian citizen should be arrested or detained simply for expressing opinions about the actions of foreign governments or commenting on ongoing international conflicts."
He further asserted that the DSS must release Waspapping immediately and end what he termed an unlawful detention. Sowore warned that Nigeria cannot claim to be a democracy while citizens are arrested for expressing views on international events, highlighting a critical tension between state security measures and constitutional rights.
Context and Public Reaction
This incident underscores the growing scrutiny of social media influencers in Nigeria, particularly those who engage with sensitive political and international topics. Waspapping's arrest has drawn attention to the broader issues of:
- The balance between national security and individual freedoms.
- The role of digital platforms in shaping public discourse.
- Potential chilling effects on free speech in the context of global conflicts.
As of now, there has been no official statement from the DSS regarding the arrest or the specific charges, if any, against Waspapping. The case continues to develop, with many observers calling for transparency and adherence to legal procedures.
