Court Remands Alleged ISWAP Ransom Negotiator In Kuje Prison Over Terrorism Charges

The 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 seven amended charges filed against him by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The court fixed November 13 for the commencement of the trial and directed that the defendant remain in custody while issues relating to his bail application are addressed.

The Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Oyedepo Rotimi, led the prosecution team, while Chris Abengowe represented Kaigama.

During the proceedings, Rotimi urged the court to remand the defendant at the correctional facility and ensure an accelerated hearing of the case. The defence counsel’s attempt to move the bail application was unsuccessful because it was based on charges that had previously been struck out.

The prosecution also informed the court that it would file a counter-affidavit opposing the defendant’s bail request.

In the amended charges, the DSS accused Kaigama of allegedly supporting the activities of Boko Haram and ISWAP through unauthorised contact with members of the groups and negotiations involving ransom payments.

The prosecution further alleged that he collected ransom from families of kidnapped victims despite allegedly having reason to believe that the money could be used to finance terrorism.

Another count accused him of withholding information about the activities of the groups that could have assisted security agencies in arresting and prosecuting their members.

Kaigama was also accused of soliciting and mobilising financial contributions from relatives of hostages before allegedly transferring the funds to the terrorist groups.

According to the prosecution, the defendant allegedly used a WhatsApp group known as BOSYA and Facebook to demand ransom payments from victims’ families, resulting in a reported loss of more than ₦1.8 million.

The charges also accused him of allegedly inciting protests against Senator Ali Ndume and the Borno State Government, conduct the prosecution said could lead to public disorder.

Kaigama has denied the charges by pleading not guilty. The allegations remain subject to proof in court as the case proceeds.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the court has scheduled the trial for November 13, while the defendant remains at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending further proceedings on his bail application.