By TAIYE AGBAJE

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday arraigned a man, Samaila Kaigama, in the Federal High Court in Abuja for allegedly raising funds for 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, was also charged with soliciting money for 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, the Prosecution Counsel, Caliatus Eze, urged the court to remand the defendant 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 should 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 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 negotiated for release of kidnapped victims and willingly solicited for funds from unsuspecting members of the public, with intention and knowledge that it will be used to finance ISWAP and Boko Haram.

The offence, the DSS said 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 accused of facilitating transaction and providing financial services in respect of terrorist funds at the direction of ISWAP) and Boko Haram.

The prosecution said the offence is punishable under Section 23 (1) of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, among other counts. (NAN)

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