The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed terrorism charges against Muhammad Mahdi Shehu, a self-styled activist, before the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna.
The charges were filed on Friday, January 17, 2025, with details becoming available on Tuesday night.
The DSS also filed a motion ex parte the previous day, seeking an order to detain Shehu for 60 days pursuant to Section 66 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Justice Rilwan Aikawa granted the request, permitting the DSS to detain Shehu to conclude investigations.
The five-count terrorism-related charges include:
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, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024 (as amended).
False Allegation of Treasonable Act:
Contrary to Section 41 of the Criminal Code Act.
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.
The charges stem from Shehu’s alleged sharing of doctored videos falsely claiming that the Nigerian government had permitted France to establish a military base in northern Nigeria.
(Vanguard)