Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has demanded the release of a social media influencer identified as Sarki, who uses the handle @Waspapping_, following reports that he is being held by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Sowore raised the alarm in a post shared on X on Tuesday, the 10th of March, 2026, accusing the security agency of detaining the influencer without legal grounds.
“I have learned that the lawless Department of State Services (DSS) has arbitrarily and unlawfully detained a social media influencer known as Sarki @Waspapping_,” Sowore wrote.
He explained that the influencer was allegedly picked up over remarks he made about the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, especially criticisms aimed at Israel.
“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,” Sowore said.
Sowore maintained that Nigerians should not face arrest for sharing opinions on the conduct of foreign governments or commenting on global conflicts.
“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 said.
He stressed that freedom of speech must cover conversations about international matters and wars involving other countries.
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“Freedom of expression must apply equally to discussions about global affairs and acts of war involving foreign interests,” he stated.
Sowore then urged the DSS to free the influencer without delay, describing the situation as illegal.
“The DSS must therefore immediately release Sarki @Waspapping_ and end this unlawful detention,” Sowore said.
He warned that detaining citizens over their views on global issues undermines democratic values.
“Nigeria cannot claim to be a democracy while citizens are arrested for expressing views on international events,” he added.