The Department of State Services, DSS, has arrested Mahdi Shehu, an activist over allegations of sharing a misleading video that has gone viral online.

 

Zagazola Makama, a Lake Chad Basin counterterrorism and insurgency expert, made this known in a post on his X handle on Monday.

 

According to Makama, the Kaduna-based activist and political commentator was detained by the DSS due to allegations concerning a video which he said has potential national security ramifications.

 

The security expert stated that Shehu’s arrest by DSS took place over the weekend after the video gained traction on social media.

 

Makama disclosed that sources indicate that Shehu is currently in custody in Kaduna and may face court proceedings shortly.

 

“The video in question involved the sharing of outdated footage, falsely suggesting that the Nigerian government intended to establish a French military base in the North-West.

 

“Authorities have reportedly issued directives for Shehu’s arraignment while ensuring that his rights are upheld during his detention,” Makama said.

 

Additionally, it has been noted that Shehu previously faced legal issues, including an arrest for attempted extortion, as explained by former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami.

 

Meanwhile, Shehu’s lawyer, according to the security expert, has argued that his client’s arrest was politically motivated