Mahdi Shehu, a Kaduna-based activist and political commentator, has been arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) over a controversial viral video.
The arrest, which occurred over the weekend, followed allegations that Shehu shared outdated footage suggesting the Nigerian government intended to establish a French military base in the North-West region of the country.
Although Shehu deleted the video, it had already gained significant traction online, raising concerns about national security.
Sources told Zagazola Makama, a security analyst and counter-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad region, that Shehu is in DSS custody in Kaduna and may face court proceedings soon. Authorities have reportedly issued directives for his arraignment while ensuring his rights are respected during detention.
When Reporters contacted Mustapha Abubakar, Shehu’s lawyer, he said he got to know about the arrest from Shehu’s family.
Abubakar further stated that he couldn’t provide further detail about the issue as he is currently not in Kaduna state.
The DSS has yet to release an official statement on the matter.
In February, Shehu was arrested and detained by the police in Abuja.
Sources told Reporters that Shehu was arrested following a petition from the law office of a former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN) on behalf of the former minister and his family.
A source close to Shehu confirmed the arrest and detention saying the businessman and whistleblower was still being detained by the police.
“I was told that he was arrested pursuant to a petition written by the chambers of the former AGF, Abubakar Malami on behalf of Malami and his family. The letter came with the letterhead of A.A. Malami & Co. Law Office and the petition is on behalf of Malami and his family.
“He was arrested by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit at the Force Headquarters IN Abuja,” the source said.
Abubakar later said his client’s arrest and detention by the police might be connected to efforts by Malami and some members of Muhammadu Buhari’s immediate past government to silence him for demanding accountability from them.
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