The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned a man, Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of financing terrorism and supporting the activities of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, also known as Boko Haram.
Kaigama was arraigned on Wednesday on a four-count charge bordering on allegedly concealing information about terrorist activities, raising funds for terrorist groups, providing material support and dealing in terrorist funds.
He pleaded not guilty to all the charges when they were read before Justice Salim Ibrahim.
According to the charge sheet marked FHC/ABJ/CR/439/2026, the DSS alleged that Kaigama concealed information about acts of terrorism carried out by ISWAP and Boko Haram despite knowing such information could assist security agencies in preventing attacks and apprehending suspects.
The agency further alleged that between January and June 2026, Kaigama, under the guise of negotiating the release of kidnap victims, solicited, collected and received funds from unsuspecting members of the public, knowing the money would be used to finance the activities of the proscribed terrorist groups.
The prosecution also accused him of knowingly providing material assistance and financial services to ISWAP and Boko Haram, as well as facilitating transactions involving terrorist funds.
Following the defendant’s plea, counsel to the DSS, Dr Caliatus Eze, urged the court to remand him in the protective custody of the DSS, citing national security concerns and the defendant’s safety.
The defence opposed the application.
In his ruling, Justice Ibrahim dismissed the defence’s objection and ordered that Kaigama be remanded in the custody of the DSS pending the commencement of trial.
The judge, however, directed that the defendant be granted unrestricted access to his lawyer as well as two members of his family, his wife and uncle.
He also ordered that Kaigama be provided with adequate medical attention while in custody.
The case was adjourned until September 24, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
According to the charge sheet, the offences are alleged to have been committed between January and June 2026 in Abuja and Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, contrary to various provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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