The State Security Service has arraigned Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations that he solicited and raised funds to support the activities of the Islamic State West Africa Province and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, otherwise known as Boko Haram.
Kaigama pleaded not guilty when the four-count charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/439/2026, was read to him before Justice Salim Ibrahim on Wednesday.
The SSS accused the defendant of concealing information about acts of terrorism, raising money from unsuspecting members of the public under the guise of negotiating the release of abducted persons, rendering material and financial assistance to terrorist organisations and dealing in funds allegedly belonging to the groups.
According to the first count, Kaigama allegedly concealed information about terrorist activities between January and June 2026 in Abuja and Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The prosecution alleged that the information in his possession could have materially assisted security agencies in apprehending suspects and preventing acts of terrorism but that he failed to disclose it to any law enforcement or security officer.
The alleged offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 16(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
In the second count, the SSS alleged that Kaigama, under the guise of negotiating the release of kidnap victims, directly and willingly solicited, acquired, collected, received and possessed funds from unsuspecting members of the public.
The prosecution claimed that the defendant knew or intended that the funds would be used to finance ISWAP and Boko Haram and support the commission of terrorist acts.
The alleged offence was brought under Section 21 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and is punishable under Section 21(2) of the legislation.
Kaigama was further accused of knowingly providing material assistance and financial services to ISWAP and Boko Haram, contrary to Section 13(1) of the Act.
The fourth count alleged that he knowingly dealt in terrorist funds by possessing funds, facilitating transactions and providing financial services at the direction of the two proscribed organisations.
The SSS said the alleged conduct violated Section 23(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Following Kaigama’s not-guilty plea, prosecuting counsel Dr Caliatus Eze asked the court to remand him in the protective custody of the SSS pending the commencement of trial.
The defence opposed the application, but Justice Ibrahim overruled the objection and ordered that the defendant remain in SSS custody.
The defence opposed the application, but Justice Ibrahim overruled the objection and ordered that the defendant remain in SSS custody.
The judge, however, directed the security agency to grant Kaigama unrestricted access to his lawyer and two members of his family, identified as his wife and uncle.
Justice Ibrahim also ordered that the defendant be provided with adequate medical attention while in custody.
The court adjourned the case until September 24, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
The allegations against Kaigama have not been proved, and he remains presumed innocent until the prosecution establishes the charges against him beyond reasonable doubt.