January 22, (THEWILL) – The Department of State Services has filed a five-count terrorism-related charges against self-styled activist, Muhammad Mahdi Shehu, before a Federal High Court in Kaduna.
This is coming two weeks after a Kaduna State High Court admitted the activist to N3 million bail following his arrest over alleged dissemination of misleading viral videos on social media.
A Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kaduna had on January 2, 2025, ordered his detention over the social media post perceived as a threat to national security.
Mahdi was rearrested by security operatives last week at his clinic in Unguwar Dosa, Kaduna.
Following his rearrest, the DSS on January 16, secured an ex parte motion of the Federal High Court in Kaduna to detain Shehu for 60 days to facilitate its investigation by Section 66 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
In the new charges filed before Justice Rilwan Aikawa on January 17, the service alleged that Shehu falsely claimed in viral doctored videos that the Nigerian government had permitted France to establish a military base in Northern Nigeria.
The five-count charge read, “False publication to cause public alarm, contrary to Section 59 (1) of the Criminal Code Act; dissemination of terrorism-related false information, contrary to Section 26 (2) (a) and (b) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022”
It added, “Intentional dissemination of false information, contrary to Section 24 (1) (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024 (as amended); false allegation of a treasonable act, contrary to Section 41 of the Criminal Code Act; and use of social media to support false allegations of a national security threat, contrary to Section 24 (1) (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.”
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
