The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, an alleged ransom negotiator for Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, at Kuje Correctional Centre pending the commencement of his trial on November 13.
Justice Ibrahim Salim gave the order on Tuesday after Kaigama was arraigned by the Department of State Services (DSS) on a seven-count amended charge bordering on terrorism, cybercrime, fraud and money laundering.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to all seven counts brought against him.
Following his plea, the prosecution, led by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Oyedepo Rotimi, SAN, urged the court to remand the defendant at Kuje Correctional Centre and order an expedited trial.
However, Kaigama’s lawyer, Chris Abengowe, attempted to argue a bail application, but the court could not entertain the request because it was based on charges that had already been struck out. The prosecution also indicated its intention to file a counter-affidavit opposing the bail application.
In a brief ruling, Justice Salim adjourned the case to November 13 for the commencement of trial and ordered that the defendant remain in custody pending the hearing of his bail application.
According to the amended charges, the DSS accused Kaigama of allegedly aiding the activities of Boko Haram and ISWAP through unauthorised communication and ransom negotiations with members of the terrorist groups.
The prosecution further alleged that he received ransom money from the family of a hostage, allegedly knowing that the funds could be used to finance terrorism.
Other allegations include providing financial support to ISWAP, requesting ransom payments through WhatsApp and Facebook, and causing the victim’s family a financial loss exceeding N1.8 million.
The defendant was also accused of mobilising members of affected communities to protest against Senator Ali Ndume and the Borno State Government, allegedly inciting public disorder.
The final count concerns the alleged retention of N1.8 million, said to have been paid into his Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) account by the family of the victims.
Kaigama has pleaded not guilty to all the allegations. The charges remain allegations to be determined by the court as the case proceeds to trial.
