Waspapping: Social media critic’s rough road to ‘freedom’

The recent arrest of Nigerian social media commentator Sani Buhari, widely known online as Waspapping, has sparked intense debate about freedom of speech in Nigeria, particularly among social media influencers. The arrest was carried out by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kaduna State following several controversial posts he made on social media, particularly […]

The recent arrest of Nigerian social media commentator Sani Buhari, widely known online as Waspapping, has sparked intense debate about freedom of speech in Nigeria, particularly among social media influencers.

The arrest was carried out by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kaduna State following several controversial posts he made on social media, particularly on X, about the conflict involving Israel, Iran and the United States.

According to media reports, Waspapping was picked up by security operatives in early March 2026 after posting strong criticisms of the United States and Israel while expressing support for Iran during the ongoing Middle East crisis.

His arrest quickly became one of the most talked-about developments on Nigerian social media, with many users questioning whether expressing political opinions online could now lead to detention by security agencies.

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Daily Trust also gathered that Waspapping remained in DSS custody for several days before he was eventually released under certain restrictions following public outcry.

The arrest created fear among many Nigerians who regularly comment on international politics online. Some social media users said they even received warning messages advising them to be cautious about what they post regarding the Middle East crisis.

 

Authorities must end clampdown on critics of U.S., Israeli – Amnesty

Human rights organisation Amnesty International strongly criticised the arrest of Waspapping and others.

In a statement, the organisation said it was “deeply concerned by the escalating clampdown by the Department of State Services on social media commentaries on the ongoing war in the Middle East.”

The group warned that “these growing authoritarian practices by the Nigerian authorities undermine human rights, erode trust in the neutrality of state institutions, and create a toxic climate of fear.”

The organisation therefore urged Nigerian authorities to stop arresting individuals simply for expressing their opinions online.

Public pressure for Waspapping’s release increased when popular Hausa musician Naziru M Ahmad, widely known as Sarkin Waka, openly criticised the arrest in a strong statement that quickly circulated online.

The musician questioned the repeated arrests of Nigerians over their views about the Middle East conflict.

He said: “Listen carefully, people. Do you think we are afraid of the arrests you are carrying out one after another? The answer is NO!”

Sarkin Waka also expressed anger over what he described as attempts to silence Muslims who speak about the conflict.

Alongside his statement, a campaign poster began circulating widely on social media with the message:

“Jailing someone for their opinion is not justice. Freedom of speech is a right of all citizens.”

The message was repeatedly shared with the slogan “Free Waspapping Now.”

 

Waspapping apologises after release

After spending several days in detention, Waspapping was eventually released by the DSS at the weekend. Shortly after regaining his freedom, he posted a public statement on his X handle reflecting on the experience and clarifying his earlier comments.

He admitted that some of his posts may have sounded too strong.

He wrote: “Following my interaction with the relevant security agencies, I have reflected on some of my past tweets and recognise that the tone may have come across stronger than intended.”

According to him, his posts were meant to contribute to online political debates rather than serve as personal attacks against any country.

Waspapping also emphasised that he respects the diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and the United States.

He also apologised to anyone who felt offended by his words.

Daily Trust tried to contact Waspapping to find out whether the apology was made under duress, as speculated in some quarters, but his phone line could not be reached as of the time of filing this report.

The arrest and eventual release of Waspapping have turned his case into a powerful example of the ongoing debate about freedom of expression in Nigeria, particularly in the digital space.

Some of his supporters argue that his detention demonstrates how easily citizens can face consequences for sharing political opinions online.

Others, however, believe that security agencies have a responsibility to regulate speech that could threaten national interests or strain diplomatic relations.

Waspapping’s experience continues to raise difficult questions about the balance between national security and Nigerians’ right to speak freely in the digital age.

 

Some of Waspapping’s controversial tweets

The arrest of Waspapping was largely linked to several strong posts he shared on the social media platform X.

In one tweet on March 1, 2026, he wrote: “There’s no bigger terrorists in the entire world than Netanyahu and Donald Trump.”

On March 3, he posted another message accusing the United States of supporting terrorism in Nigeria.

“America created Boko Haram in Nigeria and continues to fund banditry in the northern part of the country which has killed thousands of people.”

In another tweet on March 5, he criticised U.S. military actions around the world.

“USA is the only country that has the right to commit genocide in Japan, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Libya, Iraq and Palestine,” he wrote.

These tweets quickly spread across social media and reportedly attracted the attention of security agencies.

 

Cleric reacts

The arrest also drew reactions from religious leaders, including Sheikh Bashir Aliyu. During a Ramadan tafsir lecture that later went viral online, the cleric strongly criticised the arrest of individuals speaking about the Middle East conflict.

He said many people who spoke against the killings in Gaza were being treated like criminals.

“People have bravely spoken out against the mass killings being carried out by Israel. Those who have done so have been labelled criminals and arrested,” he said.

He also raised concerns about what he described as inconsistencies in the application of free speech laws.

“While there are laws criminalising blasphemy against Allah and His Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the Nigerian president is being pressured to force some states to remove those laws. Yet anyone who insults Netanyahu faces immediate arrest. At the same time, those who insult the Prophet (S.A.W) claim it is ‘freedom of expression,’” he said.

The cleric questioned what he described as a double standard in how freedom of speech is applied.

“Why are they denying our people the right to expression? What exactly are they trying to turn this country into?” he asked.

 

Who is Sani Waspapping?

Sani Buhari, widely known as Waspapping or “Sarki,” is a young man from Sabon Gari in Tudun Wada, Kaduna South Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

He recently got married and runs a small boutique business where he sells clothing and accessories around Kano Road near Sheikh Gumi Market.

Residents of the area said he is not widely known in the community except among close associates.

Online, however, he is far more visible, particularly on the platform X, where he often participates in political debates.

Before the recent controversy, he had been involved in several online discussions, including debates against the Indigenous People of Biafra and other political postings.

In recent weeks, he shifted his attention to global politics, particularly criticising the United States and Israel over their actions toward Iran and what he alleged was their role in fuelling insecurity in Nigeria. Those posts eventually led to his arrest.

 

Nigerians have the right to criticise the war online – Dr. Anchau reacts

Public affairs analyst Ismail Muhamad Anchau of Kaduna Polytechnic believes Nigerians should not be punished simply for commenting on global events.

He said: “I don’t think it is appropriate because people have the right to comment on happenings in the world.

“What is happening between Israel and Palestine is quite unfortunate, to the extent that even the ICC issued an arrest warrant against the Prime Minister of Israel, which shows that what is being committed there is wrong and amounts to genocide.

“Therefore, people have the right to criticise when things are going wrong. I think it is part of their right.”

According to him, freedom of expression allows citizens to discuss both local and international issues.

However, he advised social media users to be careful with their language online.

He explained that while criticism is allowed, people should ensure their comments comply with the law.