A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of Samaila Kaigama, an alleged ransom negotiator for the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending his trial on terrorism-related charges.
Justice Ibrahim Salim issued the order on Tuesday after Kaigama pleaded not guilty to a seven-count amended charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The judge fixed November 13, 2026, for the commencement of the trial and directed that the defendant remain in custody pending the hearing of his bail application.
Oyedepo Rotimi, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, led the prosecution team, while Chris Abengowe appeared for Kaigama.
During the proceedings, Rotimi urged the court to remand the defendant at the Kuje Correctional Centre and ensure an expedited trial.
However, Abengowe’s attempt to argue the bail application could not proceed because it was based on charges that had already been struck out.
Rotimi also informed the court that the prosecution intended to file a counter-affidavit opposing the bail application.
DSS Accuses Defendant Of Terrorism Financing
In the amended charges, the prosecution alleged that Kaigama aided the activities of Boko Haram and ISWAP by establishing unauthorised communication with members of the terrorist group and negotiating ransom payments.
He was also accused of receiving ransom from the families of abducted persons despite allegedly having reasonable grounds to believe that the money would be used to finance terrorism.
In another count, the prosecution alleged that Kaigama failed to disclose information about the activities of Boko Haram and ISWAP that could have assisted security agencies in apprehending and prosecuting members of the groups.
The charges further accused him of soliciting and mobilising financial contributions from the families of hostages for onward transmission to terrorists.
According to the prosecution, Kaigama allegedly used WhatsApp, through a group identified as BOSYA, and Facebook to demand ransom payments from victims’ families, resulting in losses exceeding N1.8 million.
Alleged Mobilisation Of Protests
The amended charge also accused Kaigama of mobilising members of affected communities to stage protests against Senator Ali Ndume and the Borno State Government in July 2026.
The prosecution alleged that the action was intended to incite public disorder.
The charge reads: “That you, Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, adult male of FCT Abuja, on or about July 2026, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did mobilize members of the affected communities to stage protests against Senator Ali Ndume and the Borno state government, you thereby inciting public disorder, contrary to and punishable under Section 51 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C38 LFN 2004.”
Kaigama pleaded not guilty to all seven counts.
The court adjourned the case until November 13, 2026, for the commencement of trial, while the defendant remains in custody pending the hearing of his bail application.