Prominent Kaduna commentator Mahdi Shehu has been detained in a Kaduna prison following his arraignment at the Chief Magistrate’s Court on Ibrahim Taiwo Road.
Shehu faces charges of conspiracy and aiding terrorism under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as inciting public unrest under the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017.
The charges stem from a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, where Shehu alleged plans by the Federal Government to establish a French military base in Nigeria’s North-East, citing claims by Niger’s military leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani.
This allegation was later refuted by the Nigerian government.
A subsequent investigation by reputable media outlets revealed that the video Shehu referenced was misleading.
It was confirmed to show Nigerian soldiers at Bamako Airport during an ECOWAS peacekeeping mission in Mali in 2013, not recent activity.
The Department of State Services (DSS) arrested Shehu, conducted investigations, and brought him before the court.
Presiding Magistrate Abubakar Lamido ordered his remand in prison until the case continues on January 14, 2025.
