The Department of State Services (DSS), also known as the State Security Service (SSS), has arraigned a man, Samaila Kaigama, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on allegations of financing terrorism and concealing information linked to terrorist activities.
Kaigama was brought before Justice Salim Ibrahim on Wednesday on a four-count charge and pleaded not guilty to all allegations.
According to the prosecution, the defendant allegedly solicited money from unsuspecting members of the public while negotiating the release of kidnap victims, knowing that the funds would be used to finance the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (Boko Haram).
The DSS further alleged that Kaigama withheld information that could have enabled security agencies to arrest members of the terrorist groups and prevent acts of terrorism.
The alleged offences were said to have occurred between January and June 2026 in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
However, court documents reportedly did not identify the kidnap victims or provide details of the incident that led to the fundraising efforts.
Following the defendant’s plea, prosecution counsel Caliatus Eze urged the court to remand him in DSS custody, citing national security concerns.
Defence counsel Hamza Dantanni opposed the request, but Justice Ibrahim dismissed the objection and ordered that Kaigama remain in DSS custody pending trial.
The judge also directed that the defendant be granted unrestricted access to his lawyer and two family members, particularly his wife and uncle, and ordered that he receive adequate medical care while in custody.
The case was adjourned until September 24, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
According to the charge sheet, Kaigama is accused of concealing information about the activities of ISWAP and Boko Haram despite allegedly knowing it could have assisted law enforcement agencies in preventing terrorist acts and arresting suspects.
He is also accused of negotiating the release of kidnap victims while raising funds allegedly intended to finance the two terrorist groups, as well as facilitating financial transactions involving terrorist funds. The offences are punishable under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Kaigama has denied all the allegations, and the charges remain subject to determination by the court.
