The Department of State Services, DSS, has filed terrorism charges against Muhammad Mahdi Shehu a self-declared activist, before the Federal High Court in Kaduna, Nigeria.
These charges were formally presented on Friday, January 17, 2025, with more specific details being made public on Tuesday night. The charges followed an investigation that has been ongoing for some time, with the DSS closely monitoring Shehu’s activities.
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On Thursday, January 16, 2025, the DSS submitted a motion ex parte requesting an order to detain Shehu for 60 days in accordance with Section 66 of the Terrorism, Prevention and Prohibition, Act, 2022.
The request was granted by Justice Rilwan Aikawa, permitting the DSS to hold Shehu in custody while it finalizes its investigations.
The five terrorism-related charges filed against Shehu are as follows:
False Publication to Cause Public Alarm
This charge concerns Shehu’s alleged involvement in spreading false information intended to incite panic or alarm, in violation of Section 59,1, of the Criminal Code Act.
Dissemination of Terrorism-Related False Information
Shehu is accused of distributing misleading information that could incite terrorism, breaching Section 26, 2, a, and b, of the Terrorism, Prevention and Prohibition, Act, 2022.
Intentional Dissemination of False Information
Shehu is charged with intentionally spreading false information that caused harm, in violation of Section 24, 1, b, of the Cybercrimes, Prohibition, Prevention, etc. Act, 2024, as amended.
False Allegation of Treasonable Act
Shehu faces charges for falsely accusing individuals or groups of committing treasonous acts, which is punishable under Section 41 of the Criminal Code Act.
Use of Social Media to Support False Allegations of National Security Threat
This charge is based on Shehu’s alleged use of social media to spread false claims that jeopardized national security, violating Section 24, 1, b, of the Cybercrimes, Prohibition, Prevention, etc. Act.
These charges stem from Shehu’s purported role in circulating doctored videos, which falsely suggested that the Nigerian government had granted France permission to establish a military base in northern Nigeria.
The videos, which were widely shared on social media, have raised serious concerns regarding national security.
Crediblenewsng.com
