Kaduna-based public commentator, Mahdi Shehu, has been remanded in custody at the Kaduna Correctional Service facility following his arraignment on charges related to terrorism and public disturbance.
Shehu was brought before Chief Magistrate Court 1 in Kaduna on Tuesday, facing two counts of conspiracy, aiding and abetting terrorism, and inciting public disturbances. The charges were filed under Section 26 (2)(3) of the Terrorism (Prevention & Prohibition) Act, 2022, and Section 78 of the Penal Code Law of Kaduna State, 2017.
The charges stem from Shehu’s post on his X account (formerly Twitter), where he alleged plans by the Nigerian government to establish a French military base in the country’s northeast. The claim, reportedly attributed to Niger Republic’s military leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani, was swiftly denied by the Nigerian government.
Shehu’s arrest by the Department of State Services (DSS) followed shortly after the allegations surfaced. His arraignment marks the start of legal proceedings to address the accusations.
Presiding over the case, Magistrate Abubakar Lamido ordered Shehu’s remand and adjourned further hearings until January 14, 2025.
The development has drawn widespread attention, with Shehu’s allegations and subsequent detention igniting discussions on social media and across various platforms. His case underscores ongoing tensions surrounding misinformation, public discourse, and national security concerns in Nigeria.