Trending 
The Department of State Services on Wednesday arraigned a man, Samaila Kaigama, before the High Court in Abuja for allegedly raising funds for two terrorist organisations – Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram.
Kaigama was charged on four counts bordering on terrorism financing, concealment of information and facilitating financial transactions for the proscribed groups, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
He pleaded not guilty to all four charges.
Following his plea, 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.
Justice Salim Ibrahim overruled the defence lawyer, Hamza Dantanni, and ordered Kaigama to be remanded in DSS custody.
The judge also ordered that the defendant be granted unrestricted access to his lawyer and two members of his family, especially his wife and uncle, and that he be accorded adequate medical attention.
The court adjourned the matter until Sept. 24 for trial.
In count one, Kaigama was alleged to have, between January and June in Abuja and Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, concealed information about acts of terrorism by ISWAP and Boko Haram, even when he knew the information would be of material assistance in apprehending and preventing the commission of acts of terrorism, the prosecution said.
In count two, he was alleged to have negotiated for the release of kidnapped victims and solicited funds from unsuspecting members of the public, with the knowledge that the money would be used to finance ISWAP and Boko Haram.
Count four accused the defendant of facilitating transactions and providing financial services in respect of terrorist funds at the direction of the two groups.
The offences are contrary to the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
