Man in Court for Raising Funds for Terror Groups after Kidnapping

The State Security Service (SSS) on Wednesday brought a man named Samaila Kaigama to court. He faces charges of raising funds for two terrorist groups while trying to free kidnap victims earlier this year.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the prosecution accused him of collecting money from people without knowing that the funds would go to support the activities of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram.

In the case presented to Justice Salim Ibrahim at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the prosecution stated that Mr Kaigama hid information that could help catch the terrorists and stop their attacks.

He faces four charges related to raising money for these groups and hiding information about their members. He allegedly committed these acts in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State between January and June this year. However, the charges did not provide details about the kidnapping incident or the victims involved in Mr Kaigama's alleged fundraising.

Mr Kaigama pleaded not guilty to all four charges. After his plea, the prosecution lawyer, Caliatus Eze, asked the court to keep Mr Kaigama in the protective custody of the SSS for the sake of national security and his own safety.

Justice Ibrahim rejected the request from the defence lawyer, Hamza Dantanni, and ordered that Mr Kaigama be held in SSS custody. The judge also directed that Mr Kaigama should have unrestricted access to his lawyer and two family members, especially his wife and uncle.

According to the judge, Mr Kaigama should receive proper medical care. He then postponed the case until September 24 to start the trial.

Count 1 claimed that between January and June in Abuja and Gwoza LGA in Borno State, Mr Kaigama hid information about the terrorist acts by ISWAP and Boko Haram, which are both banned organizations.

The prosecution said that even though he knew that the information could help catch the terrorists and stop their actions, he did not tell any law enforcement or security officer.

In Count 2, the prosecution said he was negotiating the release of kidnap victims while asking for money from the public, knowing that the funds would support ISWAP and Boko Haram.

The SSS stated that this action goes against Section 21 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and can be punished under Section 21(2) of the same law.

Count 4 accused Mr Kaigama of facilitating financial transactions for terrorist funds as directed by ISWAP and Boko Haram. The prosecution said this act is also punishable under Section 23 (1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, among other charges.