By George Omagbemi
ABUJA, Nigeria | October 14, 2026. The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, accused of negotiating ransom payments for the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending further proceedings in his terrorism-related case.
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 court fixed November 13, 2026, for the commencement of trial and directed that the defendant remain in custody pending the hearing of his bail application.
The prosecution was led by Oyedepo Rotimi, Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, while Chris Abengowe represented Kaigama.
According to the amended charges, the Federal Government alleges that Kaigama established unauthorised communication with members of Boko Haram and ISWAP, negotiated ransom payments and received money from families of abducted persons despite allegedly having reason to believe the funds could be used to finance terrorism.
The prosecution further alleges that he solicited financial contributions from hostage families and used WhatsApp, including a group identified as BOSYA, and Facebook to request ransom payments for onward transmission to terrorists.
One count alleges that the transactions caused a loss of more than ₦1.8 million to a victim’s family.
Kaigama is also accused of withholding information that could have assisted security agencies in investigating the groups and mobilising community members to stage protests against Senator Ali Ndume and the Borno State Government. The latter allegation is framed as incitement to public disorder.
The defence’s attempt to argue a bail application could not proceed because it was based on charges that had already been struck out. The prosecution indicated that it would file a counter-affidavit opposing bail.
The allegations have not been proven in court. Kaigama’s plea of not guilty means the prosecution must establish its case through the judicial process.
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