Mahadi Shehu, a popular social commentator from Kaduna, has been sent to prison following his arraignment at the Kaduna Chief Magistrate Court (CMC 1). Shehu faces charges of conspiracy and supporting terrorism after sharing false claims on his social media account.

Shehu had alleged on his X account (formerly Twitter) that the Nigerian government was planning to build a French military base in the Northeast. He linked the claim to Niger Republic’s military leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani. However, the Federal Government quickly denied this claim.

Further investigations revealed that the video Shehu shared as evidence was misleading. It was fact-checked by credible media outlets and found to be a 2013 video of Nigerian soldiers at Bamako Airport in Mali, participating in an ECOWAS peacekeeping mission.

The Department of State Services (DSS) arrested Shehu, accusing him of spreading misinformation that could incite public unrest. Prosecutors charged him under the Terrorism (Prevention & Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Kaduna State Penal Code.

Magistrate Abubakar Lamido ordered Shehu to remain in custody at the Kaduna Correctional Service. The court will continue hearing the case on January 14.

This case highlights the importance of verifying information before sharing it on social media, as false claims can lead to legal consequences and disrupt public order.