WATCH THE VIDEO HERE The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed five terrorism-related charges against Kaduna-based activist and social critic Mahdi Shehu, following his recent online and offline activities. The charges were filed at the Federal High Court in Kaduna last Friday, just two days after his re-arrest by plain-clothes security operatives at his clinic in Unguwar Dosa. Shehu, known for his outspoken criticisms of government policies, was previously arrested in December 2024 and arraigned for sharing a misleading video on social media. The DSS had accused him of circulating “doctored videos” suggesting that the Nigerian government had permitted France to establish a military base in northern Nigeria. On January 9, 2025, the Kaduna State High Court granted Shehu bail in the sum of ₦3 million, with two prominent clerics serving as sureties. However, the DSS has now filed a motion ex parte seeking an order to detain Shehu for 60 days to conclude its investigation. Justice Rilwan Aikawa granted the motion, allowing the DSS to hold Shehu under Section 66 of the Terrorism (Prevention & Prohibition) Act, 2022. A DSS operative, speaking anonymously, confirmed the development, explaining that the fresh charges stem from Shehu’s alleged use of social media to spread false and inflammatory information. The charges against Shehu include: Shehu’s December 2024 arrest followed the sharing of a video alleging sensitive national security threats, which the DSS labeled as “doctored” and designed to mislead the public. His release on bail in January 2025 was short-lived, as the fresh charges appear to escalate the government’s stance on his activities.
“Mahdi Shehu Faces Cybercrime Charges” — SSS Accuses Activist Of Disseminating False National Security Threats
