The Federal High Court in Abuja has authorized the Department of State Services (DSS) to detain 10 suspected terrorists for 60 days to allow for the completion of investigations into their activities. The suspects are alleged to have been planning to establish a Boko Haram/ISWAP cell in Osun State.
Justice Emeka Nwite granted the DSS application, filed by counsel Y.I. Umar, stating that the request was justified.
“An order is hereby granted permitting the DSS to detain the respondents for 60 days pending the conclusion of investigations,” the judge ruled.
The suspects, identified as Adamu Abubakar (aka Abu Aisha), Babagana Bashuli, Muhammed Adam, Mustapha Abacha, Katuru Muhammed, and five others, were apprehended on December 16, 2024, in Ilesa East Local Government Area, Osun State.
According to DSS affidavits, intelligence revealed the suspects were training to manufacture and detonate improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and had fled Sambisa Forest after military operations targeted their group.
The agency further noted that the suspects were aiding efforts to identify other group members still at large, warning that their release would jeopardize ongoing investigations and pose a significant threat to national security.
In a related development, Justice Nwite also approved a 60-day detention order for Ayomide Akintunde and Nurudeen Adesiyan, who were arrested in Modakeke, Osun State, following intelligence reports linking them to a Moroccan terrorist in Spanish custody. The suspects were allegedly involved in jihadist communications and plans for attacks in Nigeria.
Both cases have been adjourned to March 3, 2025, for further mention. The DSS emphasized the importance of thorough investigations to mitigate security risks and apprehend additional accomplices.
Peoplesmind
