Kaduna-based public commentator Mahdi Shehu has been remanded at the Kaduna Correctional Service Facility.

The development follows 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, 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.

Mahdi 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.

The allegation that was later discovered to be fake was fact-checked by credible media organisations, including The Cable, confirming the video originally showed Nigerian soldiers at Bamako Airport during the deployment for an ECOWAS Peacekeeping Mission in Northern Mali. It was first posted on YouTube in January 2013.

Mahdi Shehu was arrested by the Department of Secret Security Service (DSS) a few days ago and was summarily arraigned at the Chief Magistrate Court for prosecution after the DSS investigated the defendant.

The Judge of Magistrate Court, Abubakar Lamido, remanded Mahdi Shehu in the Correctional Service Facility, pending the determination of the case on an adjourned date slated for the 14thof January 2025 for further hearing of the case. (Daily Sun)