Cybercrime: DSS arrests Kaduna activist Sultan

The Department of State Services (DSS) has explained why it arrested Kaduna-based social media activist, Abubakar Muhammad, popularly known as Sultan.

The Kaduna Command said Sultan was picked up on September 27 at Layin Dan-Masani, Rigachikun in Igabi Local Government Area, following a complaint that he allegedly used fake social media accounts to harass and extort a citizen.

Investigations revealed that the suspect operated phishing accounts with the handles @OZugwai40986 on X (formerly Twitter) and @Zugwai75 on Instagram. He allegedly used the accounts to threaten the complainant and demand payment through a crypto wallet and a Point of Sales (POS) account.

The complainant, who feared for his life and that of his family, also accused Sultan of creating catfish accounts to lure him to an undisclosed location, raising concerns of a possible kidnap attempt.

It was gathered that Sultan deleted the accounts after learning the DSS was closing in on him, but cyber experts of the Service recovered them from his phone.

According to the DSS, investigators found digital footprints, payment evidence and online conversations directly linking him to the alleged offences, which will be presented in court.

The Command dismissed claims of political persecution, insisting the case was strictly criminal.

“This is purely a cybercrime case. The Service is interested in protecting citizens, not politics,” a source said.

Sultan’s arrest, however, has sparked mixed reactions on social media. While some of his supporters claim he is being politically targeted, others backed the DSS, saying the evidence should be tested in court.

As of press time, arrangements were being made to arraign him before a competent court on charges of cybercrime, extortion and threats to life.