The Federal Government has re-arraigned Samaila Kaigama, President of Borno State Youths Association, on terrorism-related charges.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Justice Ibrahim ordered that the defendant be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre pending hearing of his bail application.
Kaigama was earlier arrested by operatives of Department of State Services, DSS, on July 22, 2026, following allegations surrounding ransom payments for release of abducted residents of Ngoshe community in Borno State.
Reports said the youth leader had publicly alleged that about N5 billion was paid to Boko Haram insurgents to secure release of abducted women and children.
He reportedly linked Senator Ali Ndume to alleged payment, claims the senator and Borno State Government rejected.
Kaigama was subsequently arraigned before Justice Salim Ibrahim of Federal High Court in Abuja on July 29, 2026, on four-count charge under Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Charges reportedly included allegations of concealing information about terrorist activities, soliciting funds for Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, and providing financial services to groups.
He pleaded not guilty to charges, following which court ordered that he be remanded in DSS custody.
Court also directed that he be allowed access to his lawyer and two family members and receive adequate medical attention.
The case was subsequently adjourned to September 24, 2026, for commencement of trial.
