Kaduna-based activist and political commentator, Mahdi Shehu, has been arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) following the circulation of a controversial video in which he alleged that the Nigerian government intended to establish a French military base in the country’s Northwest region.
Shehu’s arrest took place over the weekend, after the viral video he posted, which suggested the presence of plans for such a base, gained significant traction online. Though Shehu later deleted the video, it had already raised concerns about national security, prompting authorities to take action.
According to sources, Shehu is currently being held in DSS custody in Kaduna. Security analyst Zagazola Makama, specializing in counter-insurgency issues in the Lake Chad region, reported that Shehu may face formal charges soon. There are reports that the authorities have directed that he be arraigned, while ensuring that his rights are respected during detention.
Shehu’s lawyer, Mustapha Abubakar, confirmed that he learned of his client’s arrest from Shehu’s family but declined to provide further details as he is currently not in Kaduna state. As of now, the DSS has not released an official statement regarding the arrest.
This is not the first time Shehu has found himself in legal trouble. Earlier this year, he was arrested and detained by the police in Abuja in connection with a petition filed by the law office of former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami. The petition, filed on behalf of Malami and his family, allegedly led to Shehu’s detention by the Inspector General of Police’s Monitoring Unit.
Sources close to Shehu speculated that his arrest could be tied to efforts by Malami and others in the former administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to silence him after he demanded greater accountability from government officials.
Shehu, known for his outspoken activism and whistleblowing on various political and security matters, remains a contentious figure in Nigerian public discourse. His recent arrest has sparked discussions on issues of free speech, national security, and the role of activists in holding the government accountable.
