Court Approves DSS Request to Detain Terrorism Suspects for 60 Days
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has authorized the Department of State Services (DSS) to detain 10 individuals suspected of terrorism for 60 days to allow for the completion of investigations. The suspects were allegedly planning to establish a Boko Haram/ISWAP cell in Osun State.
In a ruling on an ex-parte motion, Justice Nwite found the application valid and approved it. The case has been adjourned to March 3, 2025, for mention.
The suspects were reportedly arrested in Ilesa East Local Government Area of Osun State on December 16, 2024. The DSS, in an affidavit submitted by a personnel member, stated that the suspects are linked to Boko Haram/ISWAP and were being trained to manufacture and detonate improvised explosive devices (IEDs). They are also believed to have fled from Sambisa Forest to Osun State due to intensified military operations.
The DSS argued that releasing the suspects could impede efforts to apprehend other members of the group who remain at large, emphasizing the threat their activities pose to national security and Nigeria's stability.
In a separate ruling, Justice Nwite approved a similar application allowing the DSS to detain two other suspects, Ayomide Akintunde and Nurudeen Adesiyan, for 60 days. They were arrested on December 19, 2024, in Modakeke, Ife East Local Government Area of Osun State. The DSS stated that intelligence from a foreign agency linked the suspects to a Moroccan terrorist under investigation for planning attacks in Nigeria.
The DSS disclosed that both individuals are providing crucial information that could lead to further arrests and highlighted the importance of continued detention to ensure public safety. The matter has also been adjourned to March 3, 2025, for further proceedings.
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