A Federal High Court in Abuja has arraigned a man accused of secretly raising and channeling funds to terrorist groups, including the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram.
The Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday brought Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama before the court on a four-count terrorism-related charge, alleging that he solicited financial support and provided assistance to the two proscribed groups.
Kaigama pleaded not guilty after the charges, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/439/2026, were read before the court.
According to the DSS, the defendant concealed information about terrorist activities and allegedly collected money from unsuspecting members of the public under the guise of negotiating the release of kidnap victims. The agency claimed the funds were intended to finance the operations of ISWAP and Boko Haram.
He is also accused of knowingly providing material and financial support to the terrorist organisations, as well as facilitating transactions involving terrorist funds.
Following his plea, prosecuting counsel, Dr. Calistus Eze, urged the court to remand Kaigama in DSS custody, arguing that it was necessary for national security and for the defendant’s own safety.
Although the defence opposed the request, Justice Salim Ibrahim ruled in favour of the prosecution and ordered that Kaigama remain in the custody of the DSS pending trial.
The Judge, however, directed that the defendant be granted unrestricted access to his lawyer, his wife and his uncle. He also ordered that Kaigama receive adequate medical attention while in custody.
Justice Ibrahim subsequently adjourned the case until September 24 for the commencement of trial.
The charge sheet alleges that between January and June 2026, in Abuja and Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, Kaigama knowingly withheld information that could have helped security agencies prevent acts of terrorism by ISWAP and Boko Haram.
Prosecutors further alleged that during the same period, he fraudulently obtained money from members of the public under the pretext of securing the freedom of kidnap victims, while allegedly intending that the funds be used to support terrorist activities.
He also faces allegations of providing financial and material assistance to the two proscribed groups and knowingly dealing in terrorist funds by possessing them, facilitating transactions and offering financial services on behalf of ISWAP and Boko Haram.
If convicted, the charges are punishable under relevant provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.