From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
The Abuja division of the Federal High Court has granted the request by the Department of State Service (DSS) to detain 10 suspected terrorists, who had planned to launch a Boko Haram/ISWAP cell in Osun, for 60 days pending conclusion of investigation.
Justice Emeka Nwite granted the request that was contained in an ex-parte motion that was moved by DSS lawyer, Y.I. Umar, after holding that the application was meritorious.
“An order is hereby made enabling the State Security Service (aka DSS)/applicant to detain the respondents for 60 days pending the conclusion of investigation,” he ruled. Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until March 3 for mention.
The DSS had, in the motion ex-parte marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1942/V/2024, listed Adamu Abubakar (aka Abu Aisha), Babagana Bashuli, Muhammed Adam, Mustapha Abacha Katuru Muhammed as 1st to 5th respondents.
The security agency also listed Babakura Mallam Abacha, Muhammed Ciroma, Ali Gambo,
Muhammed Umoru and Muhammed Bundi as 6th to 10 respondents respectively.
DSS, in the motion dated Dec. 18, 2024, but filed Dec. 20, 2024, sought one prayer. The DSS, in the affidavit deposed to by Yamuje Benye, a personnel of the agency attached to the Legal Service Department at the national headquarters, averred that the suspects were arrested in llesa East LGA in Osun.
It said they were arrested on Dec. 16, 2024, upon reasonable suspicion of their involvement in terrorism.
The security outfit said preliminary investigation revealed that the respondents were members of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group,
“Intelligence at the disposal of the applicant revealed that the respondents were planning to launch a Boko Haram /ISWAP cell in Osun State.”