Shehu was arrested late last year after he shared doctored videos that falsely claimed the Nigerian government had permitted France to establish a military base in Northern Nigeria.
Activist Muhammad Mahdi Shehu has been dragged to court by the Department of State Services (DSS).
DSS sued him over alleged involvement in terrorism.
Shehu was arrested late last year after he shared doctored videos that falsely claimed the Nigerian government had permitted France to establish a military base in Northern Nigeria.
On January 2, 2025, a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kaduna ordered his detention due to the social media post perceived as a threat to national security.
However, a Kaduna State High Court had granted Mahdi Shehu bail in the amount of N3 million two weeks ago, with the condition that he provides two reputable clerics as sureties.
He was rearrested by security operatives last week at his clinic in Unguwar Dosa, Kaduna.
Consequently, the DSS had asked a Federal High Court for an ex parte motion to detain him for 60 days to facilitate their investigation.
The motion was filed in accordance with Section 66 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
In granting the order, Justice Rilwan Aikawa authorized the DSS to hold Shehu for 60 days to allow for the completion of the investigative processes.
The DSS has now filed terrorism charges bordering on conspiracy, aiding and abetting terrorism, and inciting public disorder against Shehu, according to PR Nigeria.
The charges against Mahdi Shehu include:
1. False Publication to Cause Public Alarm, contrary to Section 59(1) of the Criminal Code Act;
2. Dissemination of Terrorism-Related False Information, against Section 26(2)(a) and (b) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022;
3. Intentional Dissemination of False Information, contrary to Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024 (as amended);
4. False Allegation of Treasonable Act, in violation of Section 41 of the Criminal Code Act; and
5. 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.