Kaduna-based activist and whistleblower, Mahdi Shehu, has been released after spending 12 days in detention under the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). Shehu, a vocal critic of government policies, was arrested over the weekend following a viral video in which he claimed the Nigerian government was facilitating the establishment of a French military base in the North-West region.
The video, which reportedly contained outdated footage, raised national security concerns despite Shehu deleting it. The DSS has yet to release an official statement on the arrest, but security analyst Zagazola Makama confirmed that Shehu was detained in Kaduna and may face court proceedings soon. Reports suggest that his rights were respected during detention.
According to Shehu’s lawyer, Mustapha Abubakar, the activist was apprehended without prior notice to his legal team. Abubakar learned about the arrest through Shehu’s family and has refrained from commenting further due to limited details.
This is not Shehu’s first legal run-in. In February, he was detained by police in Abuja following a petition from the former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his family. The petition accused Shehu of inflammatory statements and demanding accountability from the previous administration. Activists suggested these actions aimed to silence him.
The incident has reignited discussions on national security challenges in the region. Chief of Defence Staff Musa highlighted the dangers of exploiting religious and ethnic sentiments to mislead communities. He warned Nigerians to remain vigilant against deceptive alliances, citing historical examples like the Lakurawa group, which initially appeared supportive but later became a security threat.
The controversy surrounding Shehu’s claims comes amid strained relations between Nigeria, France, and Niger’s military leadership. Niger’s military president recently accused both nations of supporting terrorism, fueling debates about foreign involvement in Nigeria’s security affairs.
Following his release, Shehu took to social media to express gratitude and reflect on his detention. Addressing his supporters and critics, he wrote:
“During my arrest, detention, and incarceration spanning 12 days, I feel a duty to thank those who were genuinely supportive and prayerful. Your prayers served their purpose. To those who celebrated my detention, you emboldened me and added seasoning to my worldview. To those who remained indifferent, one day, you will find yourselves either as victims or villains, willy-nilly.”
Shehu also apologized for his inability to respond to over four million messages received during his detention and reaffirmed his gratitude to all.
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The activist’s release has sparked discussions about freedom of speech, national security, and the role of whistleblowers in Nigeria. The nation watches closely as developments unfold regarding his potential court arraignment.
