Mahdi Shehu, a prominent whistleblower and human rights activist based in Kaduna, has been arrested by the State Secret Service. The arrest followed his controversial social media post alleging that France is exerting undue influence on President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Shehu’s post, which included an outdated video, implied that the President Bola Tinubu‘s government wanted to establish a French military base in the Nigeria’s northwestern region. The video gained traction online, prompting heated debates about Nigeria’s sovereignty and alleged foreign interference.
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Viral video sparks public controversy
The timing of Shehu’s video added to its impact. It was posted shortly after President Tinubu returned from a state visit to France, further fuelling speculation about France’s role in Nigeria’s internal affairs. Though Shehu later deleted the video, it had already been viewed thousands of times and widely reshared, leading to its significant influence on public discourse.
The post attracted mixed reactions, with some Nigerians questioning the government’s transparency while others criticised Shehu for allegedly spreading misinformation.
DSS detain activist in Kaduna
Following the uproar, the secret police moved quickly to detain Shehu over the weekend. He is currently being held at their Kaduna office, with reports indicating that plans are underway to charge him to court. The arrest has drawn attention from media outlets, with Solacebase, a Kaduna-based newspaper, being the first to break the news.
A history of clashes with authorities
This arrest marks yet another clash between Mahdi Shehu and government authorities. Earlier this year, Shehu was detained by the Nigerian police after a petition was filed by Abubakar Malami, the former Attorney-General of the Federation.
Malami accused Mahdi Shehu of attempting to extort $500,000 from his wife, Aisha Malami—a claim the whistleblower strongly denied. According to Shehu, the allegations were a ploy to silence him over an investigative report implicating the former justice minister. Despite the government’s failure to provide evidence for the extortion charges, Shehu was detained for weeks before his eventual release.
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Claims of persecution and suppression of free speech
Shehu has maintained that his frequent run-ins with the government are part of a broader campaign to discredit his activism and suppress dissenting voices. The veteran writer and activist, whose works have been widely recognised across the region, has long been a thorn in the side of powerful figures in Nigeria due to his outspoken critiques and investigations.
Activists and supporters have expressed concerns over the implications of Shehu’s recent arrest, suggesting it reflects a troubling pattern of targeting government critics. Some human rights organisations have called for Shehu’s immediate release and demanded an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his detention.
A broader conversation on government accountability
The controversy surrounding Shehu’s arrest has reignited conversations about freedom of expression and the government’s tolerance for dissent. Critics argue that the government’s swift action against Shehu contrasts sharply with its handling of more pressing national issues, such as insecurity and corruption.
As Shehu awaits his day in court, the incident underscores the delicate balance between combating misinformation and preserving the right to free speech in Nigeria.