By Muhammad Mamman
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested Kaduna-based social media activist, Abubakar Muhammad, popularly known as Sultan, on allegations of cybercrime.
A security source confirmed that Sultan was picked up on 27 September at Layin Dan-Masani, Rigachikun in Igabi Local Government Area, following a complaint that he used phishing accounts to harass and extort a citizen.
Investigators alleged that Muhammad created fake accounts — @OZugwai40986 on X (formerly Twitter) and @Zugwai75 on Instagram — through which he threatened the complainant and demanded payment via cryptocurrency and a Point of Sales (POS) account.
The complainant also accused him of operating catfish accounts to lure him to a secret location, raising fears of a kidnap attempt. Although Sultan reportedly deleted the accounts as the DSS closed in, cyber experts recovered them from his phone, along with digital footprints, payment records and incriminating chats.
The source stressed that the arrest was not politically motivated but aimed at protecting citizens from online fraudsters. “This is purely a cybercrime case. The Service is interested in safeguarding citizens, not politics,” the official said.
Despite this, Sultan’s detention has ignited debate online, with some supporters alleging political persecution while others called for the evidence to be tested in court.
Arrangements are under way to arraign him before a competent court on charges of cybercrime, extortion and threats to life.
