A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the remand of Samaila Ibrahim 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, 13 October 2026, after Kaigama pleaded not guilty to seven amended charges filed against him by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The court fixed 13 November 2026 for the commencement of the trial and directed that the defendant remain in custody pending the hearing of his bail application.
The prosecution was led by Oyedepo Rotimi, the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, while Chris Abengowe represented the defendant.
During the proceedings, the prosecution asked the court to remand Kaigama and ensure that the case proceeded without unnecessary delay.
However, the defence counsel’s attempt to argue the bail application was unsuccessful because the application was based on charges that had previously been struck out. The prosecution also indicated its intention to file a counter-affidavit opposing the bail request.
According to the amended charges, Kaigama allegedly established unauthorised communication with members of Boko Haram and ISWAP and negotiated ransom payments connected to the groups.
The prosecution further accused him of receiving ransom money from the families of abducted persons despite allegedly having reasonable grounds to believe that the funds would be used to finance terrorism.
Other allegations include failing to disclose information about the activities of the groups that could have assisted security agencies in apprehending and prosecuting their members.
Kaigama is also accused of soliciting and mobilising financial contributions from families of hostages for onward transmission to the terrorists.
The charges further allege that he used WhatsApp, particularly a group identified as BOSYA, and Facebook to demand ransom payments from victims’ families. The alleged transactions reportedly resulted in losses exceeding N1.8 million.
In another count, the prosecution accused him of mobilising members of affected communities to stage protests against Senator Ali Ndume and the Borno State Government in July 2026, an action it described as incitement to public disorder.
The seven-count charge also includes allegations relating to cybercrime and money laundering.
Kaigama has denied the charges and pleaded not guilty. The case is scheduled to proceed on 13 November 2026, while the court considers his bail application.
