The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, accused of negotiating ransom payments for members of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending further proceedings in his trial.

Justice Ibrahim Salim issued the order on Tuesday, October 13, after Kaigama was arraigned on a seven-count amended charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The defendant pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

According to a report by Independent Newspaper Nigeria, the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Oyedepo Rotimi, SAN, led the prosecution, while Chris Abengowe represented Kaigama.

The court fixed November 13, 2026, for the commencement of the trial.

Seven Charges Against Defendant

The prosecution accused Kaigama of allegedly establishing unauthorised communication with members of Boko Haram and ISWAP and negotiating ransom payments in July 2026.

The charges also allege that he failed to disclose information about the activities of the groups that could have assisted security agencies in investigating and prosecuting their members.

In another count, the prosecution alleged that Kaigama received ransom money from the family of a hostage despite having reasonable grounds to believe the funds could be used to finance terrorism.

He was further accused of soliciting and mobilising financial contributions from families of abducted persons for onward transmission to members of ISWAP.

Alleged ₦1.8m Ransom Transaction

The prosecution also accused Kaigama of using WhatsApp, through a group identified as BOSYA, and Facebook to request ransom payments from the families of victims.

According to the charge, the alleged transactions resulted in a loss of more than ₦1.8 million to a victim’s family.

A separate count alleges that he knowingly retained ₦1.8 million paid into his bank account by the family.

The charges include alleged offences under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, the Cybercrimes Act and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Kaigama has denied the allegations by pleading not guilty. The accusations have yet to be established in court.

Bail Application Not Heard

Following the defendant’s plea, the prosecution asked the court to remand him in custody and ensure an expedited trial.

His lawyer attempted to argue a bail application, but the application could not be entertained because it 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.

Justice Salim ordered that Kaigama remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending further proceedings, with the trial scheduled to begin on November 13.

The case will continue as the court considers the allegations and any applications brought by the parties.