The Department of State Service (DSS) has arrested a Kaduna-based activist and political commentator, Mahdi Shehu over claims of plans to establish a French military base in Northwest region of Nigeria.
The arrest, which occurred over the weekend, followed allegations that Shehu shared a controversial viral video in which he claimed that plans were underway 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.
Zagazola Makama, a security analyst and counter-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad region said 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.
Mustapha Abubakar, Shehu’s lawyer, told SaharaReporters that he got to know about the arrest from Shehu’s family, stressing that that he couldn’t provide further detail about the issue as he is currently not in Kaduna State.
Meanwhile, 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 revealed 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 to newsmen, 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.
