The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested Mahdi Shehu, a well-known whistleblower and activist, in Kaduna over a social media post alleging French interference in Nigeria’s affairs.
Shehu’s post claimed that France was pressuring President Bola Tinubu to establish a French military base in Northwestern Nigeria.
The post, which included an outdated video suggesting French dominance in Nigeria, went viral and stirred widespread debate, particularly after President Tinubu’s recent visit to France. Although Shehu later deleted the video, the DSS detained him over the weekend, holding him at their Kaduna office.
Reports from Peoples Gazette suggest the DSS plans to charge Shehu in court by Monday. The arrest was initially reported by Solacebase, a Kaduna-based news outlet.
This is not Shehu’s first clash with authorities. Earlier this year, he was arrested by the police following extortion allegations from former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami. Shehu denied the accusations, claiming he was being targeted for investigating a story involving the former minister.
