Nobody who actually had anything to do with the taking of his passports or are even in the government in some capacity said it - just random social media users.
Technically correct. Also misleading, since the "random social media users" are basing the statements on facts and evidence. You may want to read up on passport seizure and why the government takes it back.
Passports can also be seized by the issuing government while the bearer is at home, to prevent flight out of the country while the bearer is under investigation for a crime or awaiting trial. Some countries have also been known to seize passports for political reasons, such as to prevent protesters or journalists from leaving the country.