From Sola Ojo, Abuja
Kaduna based public commentator Mahadi Shehu has been remanded at the Kaduna Correctional Service Facility following his arraignment on Tuesday, at the Chief Magistrate Court (CMC 1), sitting in Kaduna, on two count charges of alleged conspiracy, aiding and abetting terrorism.
The crimes are 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.
Shehu had alleged in a post made on his X account insinuating plans by the Federal Government to site a French military base in the North-East of Nigeria as reportedly claimed by the Niger Republic Military Leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani, which was later rebutted by the Nigerian Government.
An allegation that was later discovered to be fake as fact-checked by credible media organizations, including The Cable confirming the video originally showed of Nigerian soldiers at Bamako Airport during the deployment for an ECOWAS Peace Keeping Mission in Northern Mali. It was first posted on YouTube in January 2013.
Shehu was arrested by the Department of State Service (DSS) a few days ago and was summarily arraigned at the Chief Magistrate Court for prosecution after investigation of the Defendant by the DSS.
The Judge of Magistrate Court, Abubakar Lamido, remanded Shehu in the Correctional Service Facility, pending the determination of the case on an adjourned date slated for January 14,2025 for further hearing of the case.