Mahadi Shehu Jailed: The Truth Behind French Military Base Claims
Kaduna-based public commentator Mahadi Shehu has been remanded in the Kaduna Correctional Service Facility following his arraignment on charges of conspiracy, aiding and abetting terrorism, and inciting public disturbances.
Shehu’s arrest by the Department of State Services (DSS) came after he posted videos alleging that the Nigerian government planned to establish a French military base in the northeastern region, claims that were later debunked by government officials.
The DSS arraigned Shehu before Magistrate Abubakar Lamido, who ordered his remand until the next hearing scheduled for January 14, 2025.
Fact-checks by media outlets revealed that the videos shared by Shehu were from 2013, showing Nigerian soldiers at Bamako Airport during an African Union Peacekeeping Mission in Mali, unrelated to any current events in Nigeria.
The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Minister of Information, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, have both debunked Shehu’s allegations as unfounded.
Shehu faces charges under the Terrorism (Prevention & Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Penal Code Law of Kaduna State, 2017.