Kaduna-based public commentator Mahadi Shehu has been remanded at the Kaduna Correctional Service Facility following his arraignment on January 1, 2025. Shehu faces two charges: conspiracy and aiding terrorism, contrary to Section 26(2)(3) of the Terrorism (Prevention & Prohibition) Act, 2022, and inciting public disturbances under Section 78 of the Penal Code Law of Kaduna State, 2017.
The charges stem from a post made by Shehu on X (formerly Twitter), where he alleged that the Nigerian government was planning to establish a French military base in the north-east of the country—a claim initially made by Niger Republic’s military leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani. The Nigerian government later denied these allegations, and the claim was debunked as fake by fact-checking organizations.
Shehu was arrested by the Department of State Security Service (DSS) after an investigation into the post. The court, presided over by Judge Abubakar Lamido, remanded him in custody until the next hearing, which is scheduled for January 14, 2025.
