DSS Files Terrorism Charges Against Activist Mahdi Shehu After Rearrest in Kaduna

The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed five terrorism-related charges against activist Muhammad Mahdi Shehu before a Federal High Court in Kaduna following his rearrest last week at his clinic in Unguwar Dosa, Kaduna.

According to PRNigeria, Shehu’s re-arrest comes after the DSS filed the charges, which include accusations of disseminating false information that allegedly posed a threat to national security. The arrest follows an earlier order from a Kaduna State High Court, which granted Shehu bail two weeks ago in the sum of N3 million, with the condition that he provide two reputable clerics as sureties.

Shehu had initially been arrested in early January for allegedly sharing misleading videos on social media that gained significant attention. On January 2, 2025, a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kaduna had ordered his detention due to a social media post believed to have threatened national security.

The fresh case against Shehu at the Federal High Court stems from an ex parte motion filed by the DSS, which requested a 60-day detention period to continue its investigation. The motion, filed in line with Section 66 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, was granted by Justice Rilwan Aikawa, who authorized the DSS to hold Shehu for the specified period to allow for the completion of its investigative processes.

The charges against Shehu include:

• False Publication to Cause Public Alarm, in violation of 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, as per Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024 (as amended);
• False Allegation of Treasonable Act, under Section 41 of the Criminal Code Act; and
• Use of Social Media to Support False Allegations of National Security Threat, violating Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.

PRNigeria reports that Shehu’s arrest followed his sharing of doctored videos that falsely claimed the Nigerian government had allowed France to establish a military base in northern Nigeria. In addition to the specific charges, he now faces allegations of conspiracy, aiding and abetting terrorism, and inciting public disorder.