The Department of State Services (DSS), has filed terrorism charges against political activist, Muhammad Mahdi Shehu, for allegedly publishing and disseminating false information capable of inciting public disorder and causing panic.
In the five count terrorism-related charges filed on Tuesday against the whistleblower, the DSS said Shehu had spread doctored videos claiming that the Nigerian government had entered into an alliance with France to establish a military base in Northern Nigeria.
According to the secret police, the charges against 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.
Ripples Nigeria had earlier reported the arrest and detention of the Kaduna-based public commentator on charges of conspiracy, aiding and abetting terrorism, and inciting public disturbance.
After spending some days in detention, Shehu was granted a N3m bail by a Kaduna State High Court on January 2, 2025, but was rearrested by the DSS after filing a fresh ex-parte motion to the court to grant it 60 days to detain him.