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‎The Department of State Services (DSS) has explained the circumstances surrounding the arrest of Kaduna-based social media activist, Abubakar Muhammad, popularly known as Sultan.

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‎According to the Kaduna Command, Sultan was taken into custody on September 27, 2025, at Layin Dan-Masani, Rigachikun, Igabi Local Government Area, following a petition that he allegedly used fake social media accounts to harass and extort a citizen.

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‎Investigations reportedly showed that Sultan created phishing accounts with the handles @OZugwai40986 on X (formerly Twitter) and @Zugwai75 on Instagram. He was accused of using them to issue threats and demand payments through cryptocurrency and POS transactions.

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‎The complainant, who expressed fear for his life and family’s safety, also alleged that Sultan used other false accounts to lure him to an undisclosed location, raising concerns of a possible kidnap attempt.

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‎Although Sultan allegedly deleted the accounts when he sensed the DSS was on his trail, cyber experts from the Service said they recovered them from his phone. “Investigators traced digital footprints, payment evidence, and conversations directly linking him to the alleged cybercrimes. These will be presented in court,” a DSS source disclosed.

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‎The DSS dismissed claims of political undertones, insisting the arrest was strictly a cybercrime matter aimed at protecting citizens.

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‎Sultan’s arrest has, however, triggered heated debate online. While some of his supporters allege political persecution, others back the DSS, arguing that the case should be decided in court.

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