The President of the Borno State Youths Association (BOSYA), Samaila Ibrahim Kaigama, has been arraigned before Court 13 of the Federal High Court in Abuja on a four-count terrorism-related charge filed by the Nigerian government.
Kaigama was arraigned on Wednesday before the Federal High Court, where he pleaded not guilty to all four counts brought against him by the prosecution.
Following his plea, the trial court adjourned the case until September 24, 2026, for the commencement of trial, as the court is proceeding on its annual vacation.
SaharaReporters learnt that the court also directed the prosecution to grant the defendant access to his legal team, two members of his family, and his medical doctor while he remains in custody.
According to the charge sheet marked FHC/ABJ/CR/439/2026, the Nigerian government accused Kaigama of offences under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
In the first count, the prosecution alleged that between January and June 2026, in Abuja and Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, Kaigama knowingly concealed information relating to activities of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (Boko Haram), despite allegedly possessing information that could have assisted security agencies in preventing acts of terrorism.
The offence, according to the prosecution, is contrary to Section 16(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The second count alleged that under the guise of negotiating the release of kidnapped victims, Kaigama directly and willingly solicited, acquired, collected, received and possessed funds from members of the public, allegedly knowing the funds would be used to finance ISWAP and Boko Haram for terrorist activities.
The prosecution said the alleged offence contravenes Section 21 of the Act and is punishable under Section 21(2).
In the third count, prosecutors accused him of knowingly rendering support to terrorist organisations by providing material assistance and financial services to ISWAP and Boko Haram, contrary to Section 13(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The fourth count alleged that Kaigama knowingly dealt in terrorist funds by possessing such funds, facilitating financial transactions, and providing financial services at the direction of the two proscribed terrorist groups, an offence punishable under Section 23(1) of the Act.
The charges were filed by counsel representing the Department of State Services (DSS).
However, Kaigama denied all the allegations when they were read to him in court, paving the way for trial on the adjourned date.
SaharaReporters had reported that the DSS arrested Kaigama following his appearance on Channels Television where he made allegations concerning ransom payments to Boko Haram terrorists.
Kaigama was arrested in Abuja under circumstances that have stirred concerns among rights advocates over an attempt to silence dissenting voices.
Confirming his arrest, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, disclosed that a lawyer from the law firm of Deji Adeyanju was sent to the DSS headquarters to meet Kaigama but was denied access.
According to Sowore, the lawyer waited for more than an hour before DSS operatives refused him access to both Kaigama and the agency’s premises, forcing him to leave without seeing his client.
Kaigama’s arrest came shortly after his appearance on Channels Television, during which he made allegations regarding alleged ransom payments to Boko Haram terrorists.
