Police Officer, 19 Others Detained Over Terrorism Allegations in Abuja

The Federal High Court in Abuja granted the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) permission to detain an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), A. A. Babangida, along with 19 other suspects for 30 days. The individuals are under investigation for alleged involvement in banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism activities.

The ruling, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, was based on an ex-parte motion filed by the DIA, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1146/2024, and argued by the agency’s lawyer, S.A. Aminu. The court order allows the DIA to continue holding the suspects to finalize ongoing investigations into their alleged ties to Boko Haram, bandits, and ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province).

The detainees include Usman Idris, Abu Safiyanu, Alhassan Idris, Sahada Ishaka, Abubakar Bello, Yahaya Abdullahi, Haruna Salisu, and Mohammed Muazu, among others. The DIA presented a 21-paragraph affidavit detailing the complex nature of the suspects’ involvement in terrorist activities, which reportedly includes aiding insurgent operations across different regions in Nigeria.

ASP Babangida, who was arrested in June, has been accused of facilitating terrorist activities in collaboration with these groups. According to the DIA, crucial information provided by the detainees led to the recent apprehension of bomb experts linked to the suspects.

While the DIA initially sought a 90-day detention period, Justice Lifu limited the order to 30 days, citing that the suspects had already been in custody for three months. The judge emphasized the importance of concluding investigations swiftly, in accordance with legal provisions, and reminded that all accused individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

This case underscores the ongoing challenges of combating terrorism in Nigeria, particularly in the North and Southeast regions, where insurgency, banditry, and other violent crimes have surged. The Federal Government is currently prosecuting over 300 individuals for alleged terrorism-related activities, with trials resuming in five courts under the coordination of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC).

The NCTC, in collaboration with the Attorney-General’s Office, continues to play a pivotal role in these prosecutions, as efforts intensify to bring those involved in these heinous crimes to justice.