DSS Files Terrorism Charges Against Activist Mahdi Shehu

The Department of State Services (DSS) has leveled terrorism-related charges against Muhammad Mahdi Shehu, a self-proclaimed activist, at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.

Key Details of the Case

On Friday, January 17, 2025, the DSS officially filed the charges, which were publicly revealed on Tuesday evening.

In addition to these charges, the DSS submitted an ex parte motion on January 16, 2025, seeking permission to detain Shehu for 60 days. This request was made under Section 66 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, to allow for the completion of their investigations. Justice Rilwan Aikawa approved the motion, granting the agency the authority to detain Shehu during this period.

Overview of the Charges

Shehu faces five terrorism-related allegations, which include:

Publishing False Information to Incite Public Panic
- This charge is based on Section 59(1) of the Criminal Code Act.
Disseminating False Information Related to Terrorism
- This offense violates Section 26(2)(a) and (b) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Intentional Distribution of False Information
- Charged under Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024 (as amended).
- Additionally, this act contravenes Section 41 of the Criminal Code Act.
Misuse of Social Media to Spread False Allegations Threatening National Security
- This allegation falls under Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.

Basis for the Charges

The DSS alleges that Shehu shared manipulated videos claiming that the Nigerian government had granted France permission to establish a military base in northern Nigeria. The videos were deemed to be falsified and aimed at causing public unrest and undermining national security.