Muhammad Mahdi Shehu, a self-proclaimed activist, has been charged with five counts of terrorism by the Department of State Services (DSS) at Kaduna’s Federal High Court.
This comes after his recent detention by security personnel at a clinic in Kaduna’s Unguwar Dosa region.
His original arrest arose from accusations of circulating false films on social media, including claims that the Nigerian government had allowed France to construct a military camp in Northern Nigeria.
Two weeks ago, a Kaduna State High Court granted Mahdi Shehu N3 million bail on the condition that he furnish two respectable clerics as sureties.
However, upon his re-arrest, the DSS filed an ex parte application under Section 66 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, requesting a 60-day detention order to conclude its probe.
Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court approved the application, enabling the DSS to keep Shehu while the investigation continues.
Shehu has been charged by the DSS of willfully circulating fake information via social media posts, reportedly inciting public concern and endangering national security. The charges against him include circulating fake publications to provoke public anxiety, communicating misleading information about terrorism, and fabricating false claims of treason.
The DSS further argues that Shehu’s acts infringe sections of the Criminal Code Act, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention) Act, and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
According to the DSS, Shehu’s acts included spreading doctored films and false statements with the intention of inciting public turmoil and undermining national stability. While the DSS claims that the charges reflect the seriousness of spreading disinformation, opponents have expressed concerns about the use of national security legislation to quell dissent and limit free speech.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
