Court Grants DSS 60-Day Detention for Suspected Terrorists in Osun

Court Grants DSS 60-Day Detention for Suspected Terrorists in Osun

By Fly Cable News

The Federal High Court in Abuja has approved the detention of 10 individuals suspected of planning to establish a Boko Haram cell in Osun State.

Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling on an ex-parte application filed by the State Security Service (SSS), authorized the detention of the suspects for 60 days to allow the agency to complete its investigation.

The suspects, identified as Adamu Abubakar (aka Abu Aisha), Babagana Bashuli, Muhammed Adam, Mustapha Abacha, Katuru Muhammed, Babakura Mallam Abacha, Muhammed Ciroma, Ali Gambo, Muhammed Umoru, and Muhammed Bundi, were arrested on Dec. 16, 2024, in Ilesa East Local Government Area of Osun.

According to the SSS, the suspects are alleged members of Boko Haram/ISWAP who were undergoing training on how to manufacture and detonate improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

“Intelligence at the disposal of the applicant revealed that the respondents were planning to launch a Boko Haram/ISWAP cell in Osun State,” the agency stated.

The DSS informed the court that the suspects fled from Sambisa Forest following sustained military operations against terrorist factions. It further argued that their release would undermine efforts to apprehend other members of the group.

Justice Nwite granted the agency’s request and adjourned the matter until March 3 for mention.

In a related development, the court also permitted the DSS to detain two additional suspects, Ayomide Akintunde and Nurudeen Adesiyan, for 60 days. The suspects, arrested on Dec. 19, 2024, in Modakeke, Ife East Local Government Area of Osun, are linked to a Moroccan terrorist currently in the custody of Spanish authorities.

The DSS claimed the Moroccan terrorist had communicated with the suspects for over 10 months regarding jihadist publications and the acquisition of firearms for planned attacks in Nigeria.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects admitted ownership of GSM numbers used to communicate with the Moroccan terrorist,” the agency said.

The DSS emphasized that the ongoing investigation had expanded in scope and releasing the suspects at this stage would jeopardize national security.

Justice Nwite granted the application and adjourned the case until March 3 for further mention.