Mahdi Shehu’s Alleged Arrest by Security Operatives: What We Know So Far
Kaduna-based activist and political commentator Mahdi Shehu has reportedly been arrested again by security operatives, believed to be from the Department of State Services (DSS). He was apprehended at his clinic in Unguwar Dosa, Kaduna, around 11:00 a.m. on January 15, 2025.
This arrest follows a recent legal encounter in December 2024, when Mr. Shehu was detained and charged for disseminating a misleading video on social media. The Kaduna State High Court granted him bail on January 9, 2025, with conditions including a ₦3 million bond and two prominent clerics as sureties.
As of now, there has been no official statement from the DSS or other security agencies regarding the reasons for this latest arrest. Mr. Shehu’s family has expressed concern, stating they have been unable to establish contact with him since his detention.
This development has raised concerns among human rights advocates and the public about the treatment of activists and the implications for freedom of expression in Nigeria.