DSS has arraigned a man before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of raising funds for ISWAP and Boko Haram, concealing terrorism-related information and facilitating terrorist financing.
ABUJA — The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned a man, Samaila Kaigama, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of raising funds for the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (Boko Haram).
Kaigama was brought before Justice Salim Ibrahim on Wednesday on a four-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing, solicitation of funds for terrorist activities and concealment of information relating to terrorism.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to all four charges.
Following the plea, counsel to the DSS, Caliatus Eze, asked the court to remand the defendant in the custody of the DSS, citing national security concerns and the need to ensure his safety. Defence counsel, Hamza Dantanni, opposed the application.
In his ruling, Justice Ibrahim ordered that Kaigama be remanded in the custody of the DSS pending trial. The judge also directed that the defendant be granted unrestricted access to his legal counsel and two members of his family, particularly his wife and uncle.
Justice Ibrahim further ordered that Kaigama be provided with adequate medical care while in custody. The matter was adjourned until September 24, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
According to the charge, Kaigama allegedly concealed information between January and June 2026 in Abuja and Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State regarding the activities of ISWAP and Boko Haram.
The DSS alleged that despite possessing information that could have assisted security agencies in preventing terrorist acts or apprehending suspects, the defendant failed to disclose it to law enforcement authorities.
The prosecution further alleged that Kaigama negotiated for the release of kidnapped victims and solicited funds from unsuspecting members of the public, knowing that the money would allegedly be used to finance the activities of ISWAP and Boko Haram.
The offences are said to contravene Section 21 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and are punishable under the provisions of the same law.
In another count, the DSS accused the defendant of facilitating financial transactions and providing financial services involving funds allegedly linked to the two proscribed terrorist organisations, an offence punishable under Section 23(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The case will proceed to trial on September 24, when the court is expected to begin hearing evidence from both the prosecution and the defence.
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