Political commentator and activist Mahdi Shehu has been detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations that he circulated a viral video falsely claiming the Nigerian government intended to establish a French military base in the North-West region. The controversial video, which sparked a wave of online debates and concerns about national security, was swiftly removed by Shehu after being brought to his attention. However, the damage had already been done.
The video in question had been circulating widely on social media platforms, even gaining traction on prominent news outlets. According to Zagazola Makama, a counterterrorism expert who broke the news of Shehu’s arrest via a post on X (formerly Twitter), the footage was outdated and misleading but alarmed many who believed that the government had a secret agenda of inviting foreign military forces to the region.
“The video was false and misleading. It made claims about a French military base in the North-West, something that could have created significant public unrest. It was an unfortunate case of misinformation,” a source involved with the investigation said on condition of anonymity.
Shehu’s arrest has drawn widespread attention, especially in light of his previous history of speaking out against the government. The activist is known for his outspoken criticism of past policies and his calls for investigations into actions of former President Muhammadu Buhari and his associates. Some critics have suggested that the DSS’s move against him is politically motivated, a view strongly supported by Shehu’s lawyer.
Speaking on the matter, Shehu’s lawyer expressed frustration at what he described as a pattern of harassment. “This arrest is part of an ongoing effort to silence Shehu because of his views and past political statements. He has spoken truth to power, and they are attempting to punish him for it,” the lawyer stated, condemning what he termed as attempts to intimidate the outspoken activist.
However, the government has strongly denied these claims. A spokesperson for the former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, responded to the charges of political persecution. “The DSS has acted solely based on national security concerns,” the representative said. “Shehu did not just spread misinformation; he put the safety and security of this nation at risk. This incident goes beyond simple political commentary.”
The government’s stance is that the viral video had the potential to incite fear, instability, and unwarranted anger among Nigerians. As such, they argue that such actions merit legal and procedural consequences. The spokesperson also referred to Shehu’s previous brushes with the law, including accusations of attempted extortion, to bolster the claim that Shehu’s history of allegations should not be overlooked.
“The facts surrounding Mahdi Shehu’s detention are clear. He is not above the law, and actions have consequences. This is about upholding national security,” the statement concluded.
Despite the official response, there has been widespread debate within Nigerian civil society about the implications of Shehu’s detention. Political analysts are divided over whether Shehu is a victim of state repression or whether his actions indeed posed a genuine threat to the country’s security.
“What Shehu did is not uncommon in the age of digital media – sharing unverified information,” says Professor Chidozie Ajao, a political analyst based in Lagos. “However, the consequences of spreading misinformation, particularly about sensitive national security matters, cannot be underestimated.”
In the wake of Shehu’s arrest, many Nigerians have raised concerns about the increasing suppression of free speech in the country. Social media users have used the hashtag #FreeMahdiShehu to express solidarity, while others are calling for an independent inquiry into the events that led to his arrest.
Meanwhile, Shehu’s supporters argue that his detention has become symbolic of the wider suppression of dissent and expression in Nigeria. “Mahdi has always spoken out for the people, even when it meant challenging the status quo,” one of his supporters wrote on social media. “This arrest sends a chilling message to anyone who dares to question the government.”
Nonetheless, Shehu remains in custody at the DSS detention facility in Kaduna, where sources confirm that arrangements for his court appearance are being made. As he faces possible charges, many will be watching to see how this case unfolds and whether it will serve as a precedent for handling other activists and critics of the government.
Legal observers expect that Shehu will face charges related to spreading false information and possibly endangering public peace, but the full details are still unclear. Rights organizations have also raised concerns about the process, questioning whether Shehu’s due process rights will be properly upheld during his detention.
As the controversy continues to gather momentum, many are left wondering: is Mahdi Shehu’s detention a necessary step for preserving national security, or does it represent an alarming erosion of political freedom in Nigeria?
In the coming days, much more will likely unfold as activists, the public, and human rights advocates push for further transparency and clarification of the charges against the outspoken commentator.
