By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Court orders detention of suspected ISIS member.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a ruling for the detention of a Nigerian, Emmanuel Osase, who is accused of affiliation with the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), for a period of 60 days.
The trial judge, Inyang Ekwo, granted the order following a motion ex-parte filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) marked FHC/ABJ/CS/409/2024.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, the applicant’s counsel, A. A Ugee, informed the court that the request was made pursuant to Section 66(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
In response, Justice Ekwo approved the detention order, stating, “Upon studying the averments in the affidavit, I hereby grant the relief as prayed.”
Subsequently, the court adjourned the matter till June 3, 2024.
Osase, who was apprehended on March 11, faces allegations of propagating the messages of the terrorist group, opposing Nigeria’s democratic system of government, and inciting terrorist attacks on the country and its symbols of sovereignty.
In an affidavit dated March 27, 2024, and sworn by Ahmed Abubakar, an official of the DSS, the service sought an order to detain Osase for 60 days, citing concerns that his release could compromise ongoing investigations.
The affidavit highlighted Osase’s previous conviction in France for terrorism-related offenses and his subsequent deportation, as well as his continued involvement in terrorist activities, including engagement with a pro-ISIS online media group.
The DSS emphasized the need for thorough probing to ensure Osase does not pose a security threat to Nigeria or the international community, urging the court to grant their request to safeguard national security interests.
ISIS member, detention, Nigerian, court order.