By John Audu.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed five terrorism-related charges against activist Muhammad Mahdi Shehu at a Federal High Court in Kaduna. This development follows his recent rearrest at his clinic in Unguwar Dosa, Kaduna.
Previously, a Kaduna State High Court had granted Shehu bail set at N3 million, requiring two reputable clerics as sureties. His initial arrest was linked to allegations of disseminating misleading content on social media, with a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kaduna ordering his detention on January 2, 2025, over a post deemed a national security threat.
The DSS sought an ex parte motion to detain Shehu for 60 days under Section 66 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, to facilitate thorough investigations. Justice Rilwan Aikawa granted the order, allowing the DSS to hold Shehu for the stipulated period.
The charges against Shehu include False Publication to Cause Public Alarm under Section 59(1) of the Criminal Code Act; Dissemination of Terrorism-Related False Information under Section 26(2)(a) and (b) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022; Intentional Dissemination of False Information under Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024 (as amended); False Allegation of Treasonable Act under Section 41 of the Criminal Code Act; and Use of Social Media to Support False Allegations of National Security Threat under Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.
The DSS accuses Shehu of sharing manipulated videos falsely asserting that the Nigerian government had allowed France to establish a military base in Northern Nigeria. The charges also encompass conspiracy, aiding and abetting terrorism, and inciting public disorder.
