Esther Okpe
Kaduna-based activist and political commentator, Adamu Shehu, has been arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) following a controversial video he shared online.
The arrest reportedly took place over the weekend, after Shehu circulated an outdated video claiming the Nigerian government was planning to establish a French military base in the North-West. Though Shehu later deleted the footage, it had already gone viral, sparking widespread concerns about national security.
Security sources revealed to Zagazola Makama, a prominent counter-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad region, that Shehu is currently in DSS custody in Kaduna. Reports suggest that preparations are underway for his arraignment in court, with assurances from authorities that his rights will be respected during his detention.
Speaking to SaharaReporters, Mustapha Abubakar, Shehu’s lawyer, confirmed learning about the arrest through Shehu’s family. However, Abubakar stated he could not provide additional details, as he is presently out of Kaduna.
The DSS has yet to issue an official statement regarding the arrest.
This is not the first time Shehu has faced detention. In February, he was arrested and detained by the police in Abuja following a petition reportedly filed by the law office of former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), on behalf of Malami and his family.
A close associate of Shehu confirmed the earlier incident to SaharaReporters, stating that the activist and whistleblower remained in police custody at the time.
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The latest arrest has reignited discussions about the balance between freedom of expression and national security, as observers await further developments in the case.
“I was told that he was arrested pursuant to a petition written by the chambers of the former AGF, Abubakar Malami on behalf of Malami and his family. The letter came with the letterhead of A.A. Malami & Co. Law Office and the petition is on behalf of Malami and his family.
“He was arrested by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit at the Force Headquarters IN Abuja,” the source said.
Abubakar later said his client’s arrest and detention by the police might be connected to efforts by Malami and some members of Muhammadu Buhari’s immediate past government to silence him for demanding accountability from them.
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