By Admin
The Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday arraigned a man, Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, at the Federal High Court in Abuja for allegedly providing financial services to two terrorist organisations.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two terror groups are the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (Boko Haram).
Kaigama, who was also charged for allegedly soliciting and raising funds in support of the terror activities, was arraigned before Justice Salim Ibrahim on four counts.
The defendant however pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/439/2026.
Following the defendant’s not guilty plea, prosecuting lawyer, Calistus Eze, applied that the defendant be remanded in the protective custody of the DSS in the interest of national security and that of the defendant.
Ruling, Justice Ibrahim overruled the defence lawyer, Hamza Dantanni, and proceeded to order Kaigama to be remanded in the custody of the DSS.
Justice Ibrahim also ordered that the defendant be granted unrestricted access to his lawyer and two members of his family, especially his wife and uncle.
According to the judge, Kaigama should be accorded adequate medical attention.
He then adjourned the matter until Sept. 24 for commencement of trial.
In count one Kaigama was alleged to have, sometime between January and June in Abuja and Gwoza LGA in Borno, concealed information about acts of terrorism by ISWAP) and Boko Haram, an international and nationally proscribed terrorist groups.
The prosecution said even when he knew the information would be of material assistance in apprehending and preventing the commission of acts of terrorism, he failed to disclose the information to any law enforcement or security officer.
In count two, he was alleged to have, in Abuja and Gwoza LGA, in the guise of negotiating for release of kidnap victims, did directly and willingly solicit, acquire, collect, receive and possess funds from unsuspecting members of the public, with intention and knowledge that it will be used to finance ISWAP and Boko Haram.
The prosecution alleged that the funds were to be used for the commission of acts of terrorism and furtherance of their objective.
The offence is contrary to Section 21 of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 21(2) of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
In count four, the defendant was alleged to be dealing in terrorist funds by possessing terrorist funds, facilitating transaction and providing financial services in respect of terrorist funds at the direction of ISWAP) and Boko Haram, an international and national proscribed terrorist groups.
The offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 23 (1) of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, among other counts. NAN
