SSS files terrorism charges against controversial critic Mahdi Shehu

The State Security Service (SSS) has filed false terrorism-related charges against a controversial Kaduna-based activist and critic, Mahdi Shehu.

Shehu, in December 2024, shared a video on social media alleging that the Nigerian government allowed France to establish a military base in the Northeast. However, the military denied the claim, describing it as false and malicious.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, the Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oloyede, explained that the establishment of a foreign military base in Nigeria will invite more problems and worsen the country's fight against insurgency.

However, Shehu insisted that the military was lying.

“The Chief of Army Staff received the first contingent of French soldiers and immediately deployed them to Maiduguri to 'HELP NIGERIA IN THE FIGHT AGAINST BOKO HARAM'.

“The same Boko Haram they claimed to have decimated and who are running for safety,” he posted on X.

Checks showed that the video Mr. Shehu shared to suit his narrative dates back to 2013 when a contingent of Nigerian Armywhich was part of the AFISMA (UA) mission, arrived at Senou International Airport, Bamako, Mali.

The critic was later arrested and taken to court. But the Kaduna State High Court granted him bail of N3 million on January 9. Two prominent clergymen were said to represent him as guarantors.

The five charges against Mr. Shehu

According to a Daily Trust report, the critic was arrested again at his clinic in Unguwar Dosa by the mufti's security operatives.

Two days later, the service obtained an ex-parte motion from the Federal High Court in Kaduna, seeking an order to detain the critic for 60 days pending the conclusion of investigations.

Subsequently, the SSS filed a five-count charge against him under Section 66 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

“In granting the order, Justice Rilwan Aikawa held that the DSS should hold Shehu for 60 days to allow its officers to complete investigations,” Daily Trust quoted a DSS official who spoke confidentially.

The medium mentioned charges of including false publication to cause public alarm, contrary to Section 59 (1) of the Criminal Code and Dissemination of Terrorism Act, related false information, contrary to Section 26 (2) (a) and (b) of Terrorism Act (Prevention and Prohibition Act), 2022.

Other charges are intentional dissemination of false information contrary to Section 24(1) (b) of the Cyber ​​Crimes (Prohibition and Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024 (as amended); False allegation of an act of treason contrary to Section 41 of the Penal Code Act; and Use of social media to support false claims of Threat to National Security, contrary to Section 24(1) (b) of the Cyber ​​Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.

This is not the first time that Shehu has been charged in court for falsehood and other crimes.

In 2021, he disrupted the judiciary by entering the courtroom with crutches and bandages.

This came after the Katsina State government filed a petition against Mr. Shehu for accusing then governor Aminu Masari and other top officials of corruption.