The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned a man, Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, before a 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, commonly known as Boko Haram.
Kaigama was brought before Justice Salim Ibrahim on Wednesday on a four-count charge bordering on terrorism financing, concealment of information relating to terrorist activities, providing material support to terrorist organisations, and dealing in terrorist funds.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to all the charges when they were read in court.
According to the charge sheet marked FHC/ABJ/CR/439/2026, the DSS alleged that between January and June 2026, Kaigama concealed information that could have aided security agencies in preventing acts of terrorism linked to ISWAP and Boko Haram.
The prosecution further alleged that the defendant, under the guise of negotiating the release of kidnap victims, solicited, collected, received, and possessed funds from unsuspecting members of the public, knowing the money would be used to finance the activities of the two proscribed terrorist groups.
He is also accused of providing material assistance and financial services to ISWAP and Boko Haram, as well as facilitating transactions involving terrorist funds in violation of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Following Kaigama’s plea, prosecuting counsel, Dr. Caliatus Eze, urged the court to remand the defendant in the protective custody of the DSS, citing national security concerns and the need to guarantee his safety.
Despite objections from the defence, Justice Ibrahim granted the prosecution’s request and ordered that Kaigama be remanded in DSS custody pending trial.
The judge, however, directed the DSS to grant the defendant unrestricted access to his legal counsel and two family members—his wife and uncle. He also ordered that Kaigama be provided with adequate medical care while in custody.
The case was adjourned until September 24, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
The charges against Kaigama include concealment of information relating to acts of terrorism, raising and collecting funds for terrorist organisations, rendering material and financial support to proscribed groups, and knowingly dealing in terrorist funds, offences punishable under various provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
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