Mahdi Shehu, a Kaduna-based public commentator, has been remanded in custody over charges of aiding terrorism and inciting public disturbances.
Kaduna-based public commentator, Mahdi Shehu, was remanded at the Kaduna Correctional Service facility on Tuesday following his arraignment at the Chief Magistrate Court 1, Kaduna. Shehu faces two serious charges: conspiracy, aiding and abetting terrorism, and inciting public disturbances.
These charges are contrary to the Terrorism (Prevention & Prohibition) Act of 2022 and the Penal Code Law of Kaduna State, 2017.
The charges stem from a post Shehu made on his X account, where he allegedly claimed that the federal government was planning to establish a French military base in Nigeria’s north-east, based on a statement attributed to the military leader of Niger Republic, Abdourahamane Tchiani.
The Nigerian government later rebutted these claims, denying any such plans.
Shehu was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) after his post stirred controversy, and he was quickly arraigned for prosecution.
The Chief Magistrate, Abubakar Lamido, ordered that Shehu be remanded in custody until the next hearing, which is scheduled for 14th January 2025.
The case has drawn attention due to its implications for freedom of expression and the legal boundaries of public commentary in Nigeria, particularly with respect to sensitive national security issues.
