More Troubles For Mahdi Shehu As DSS Files Five-Count Terrorism Charges Against Him

The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed five-count terrorism charges against Nigerian activist, Muhammad Mahdi Shehu, before the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna.

The charges stem from Shehu’s sharing of doctored videos falsely claiming that the Nigerian government had permitted France to establish a military base in northern Nigeria.

Naija News learnt that the charges were filed on Friday, January 17, 2025, with details made available to journalists on Tuesday, 21, January.

Before the terrorism charges, the DSS filed a motion ex parte seeking an order to detain Shehu for 60 days under Section 66 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Kaduna Federal High Court granted the request, permitting the DSS to detain Shehu and conclude investigations.

The five-count terrorism-related charges include;

False Publication to Cause Public Alarm:

Contrary to Section 59(1) of the Criminal Code Act.

Dissemination of Terrorism-Related False Information:

Contrary to Section 26(2)(a) and (b) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Intentional Dissemination of False Information:

Contrary to Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024 (as amended).

False Allegation of Treasonable Act:

Contrary to Section 41 of the Criminal Code Act.

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.