Mahdi Shehu remands in Kaduna prison over fake video

The Kaduna-based Public Commentator, Mahdi Shehu, has been remanded at a Kaduna prison following his arraignment on Tuesday, at the Chief Magistrate’s Court, Ibrahim Taiwo Road Kaduna.

Shehu was arrainged on two-count charge of conspiracy, aiding and abetting terrorism, contrary to Section 26 (2)(3) of the Terrorism (Prevention & Prohibition) Act, 2022 and inciting public disturbances contrary to Section 78 of the Penal Code Law of Kaduna State, 2017.

In a post made on his X account, Shehu was insinuating plans by the Federal Government to site a French military base in the North-East of Nigeria as reportedly claimed by Niger Republic Military leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani, an insinuation that was later rebutted by the Nigerian government.

After a fact-check by credible media organisations, including confirming the video originally showed of Nigerian soldiers at Bamako Airport during the deployment for an ECOWAS Peace Keeping Mission in Northern Mali, Mahdi’s allegation was later discovered to be fake.

The video was first posted on YouTube in January 2013.

Mahadi Shehu was arrested by the Department of State Service, DSS, recently and was summarily arraigned at the Chief Magistrate’s Court for prosecution after investigation was conducted by the DSS.

The presiding Magistrate, Abubakar Lamido, remanded Mahadi Shehu in prison custody pending the determination of the case on an adjourned date slated for January 14, 2025, for further hearing of the case.