The Federal Government has re-arraigned Samaila Kaigama, President of the Borno State Youths Association, on terrorism-related charges following the filing of an amended charge against him.
Kaigama was re-arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The case stems from allegations surrounding ransom payments for the release of abducted residents of Ngoshe community in Borno State.
Kaigama had reportedly alleged that about ₦5 billion was paid to Boko Haram insurgents to secure the release of abducted women and children, reportedly linking Senator Ali Ndume to the alleged payment. Both Ndume and the Borno State Government rejected the claim.
He was initially arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on July 22, 2026, and arraigned on July 29 on a four-count charge under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The original charges reportedly included concealing information about terrorist activities, soliciting funds for Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and providing financial services to the groups.
The prosecution subsequently filed an amended charge containing additional allegations. However, the allegations remain accusations, and Kaigama has pleaded not guilty.
The court ordered that he be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending further proceedings.
