The Department of State Services (DSS) has detained political commentator Mahdi Shehu, over allegations of spreading a misleading video that went viral on social media.

This was revealed by Zagazola Makama, a counterterrorism and insurgency expert, through a post on his ‘X’ handle on Monday. The video in question, according to sources, falsely suggested that the Nigerian government planned to establish a French military base in the North-West.

The footage, now deleted, was reportedly outdated but had already gained significant traction online, raising concerns about its potential to incite public unrest.

“Shehu Mahdi immediately deleted the video after realising the sensitivity of the content, but the damage had been done,” a source close to the investigation said.

Shehu’s arrest was confirmed over the weekend, and his lawyer argued that the detention is politically motivated, linking it to Shehu’s previous calls for an investigation into former President Muhammadu Buhari and his associates.

“This arrest is a continuation of a pattern of harassment against my client. He has consistently spoken truth to power, and this is their way of silencing him,” the lawyer stated.

However, a representative of the former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami countered these claims, saying, “Shehu was apprehended for his role in sharing false information that could jeopardise national security.

This is not the first time he’s faced the law. He was previously arrested for attempted extortion and related offences.” The DSS has assured the public that due process will be followed during Shehu’s detention.“His rights will be respected, but actions have consequences, especially when national security is involved,” an official said.

Shehu remains in custody in Kaduna as arrangements for his court appearance are reportedly underway.