New information has come out that the Department of State Services (DSS) detained Kaduna social media activist, Abubakar Muhammad, alias Sultan, on cybercrime allegations and not political.
A senior security officer confirmed that Muhammad was arrested on September 27 at Layin Dan-Masani, Rigachikun, Igabi Local Government Area, for allegedly employing phishing social media accounts to blackmail and extort a citizen.
The publication reports that Sultan is said to have had fake accounts with the handles @OZugwai40986 on X (formerly Twitter) and @Zugwai75 on Instagram, through which he sent death threats and requested money via a crypto wallet and Point of Sale (POS) account. The complainant, in fear of death and protection of his family, accused Sultan of sending him to an unknown location via catfish accounts, occasioning fear of attempted kidnap.
Investigators are said to have unearthed deleted numbers from Muhammad’s phone, with electronic trails, payment records, and chats connecting him to the suspected crimes. These, the source added, will be taken to court.
“This is strictly a cybercrime case. The Service is keen on safeguarding citizens, not politics,” said the security official, casting aside allegations of political persecution.
Sultan’s arrest, however, has generated mixed reaction on the Internet. While some of his followers accused political victimisation, others demanded that evidence be put to court test.
Preparations are being made as of press time to arraign Muhammad for cybercrime, extortion, and threats to life.
