DSS files terrorism charges against Shehu after re-arrest

The Department of State Services (DSS), on Friday, January 17, 2025, at the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna, filed five counts of terrorism-related charges against the self-styled activist, Muhammad Mahdi Shehu.

This move followed his re-arrest by security operatives last week at his clinic in Unguwar Dosa, Kaduna.

A Kaduna State High Court had, two weeks ago, granted Shehu bail in the amount of N3 million, with the condition that he provide two reputable clerics as sureties.

Shehu’s arrest stemmed from allegations of disseminating misleading videos that went viral. On January 2, 2025, a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kaduna had previously ordered his detention due to a social media post perceived as a threat to national security.

The current case has been filed at the Federal High Court in Kaduna after the DSS submitted an ex parte motion to detain Shehu for 60 days to facilitate their investigation. This motion was submitted by Section 66 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

In granting the order, Justice Rilwan Aikawa authorised the DSS to hold Shehu for 60 days to allow for the completion of their investigative processes.

The counts against Shehu are 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; 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 treasonable act contrary to Section 41 of the Criminal Code Act and Use of social media to support false allegations of national security threat, contrary to Section 24(1) (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act.

Recall that the DSS had recently arrested Shehu shortly after he shared doctored videos, purporting that the Nigerian government had permitted France to set up a military base in the North.