A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the detention of a Nigerian accused of being a member of the Islamic State (ISIS) in Iraq and Syria, Emmanuel Osase, for 60 days.
The trial judge, Inyang Ekwo, gave the order following a motion ex-parte filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) marked FHC/ABJ/CS/409/2024.
At Wednesday’s proceedings, Punch reports that the applicant’s counsel, A. A Ugee told the court that the matter was brought under Section 66(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
He prayed to the court for an order enabling the applicant to detain the respondent for 60 days pending the conclusion of the investigation.
Ruling on the case, Justice Ekwo granted the prayer of the service.
He said, “Upon studying the averments in the affidavit, I hereby grant the relief as prayed. ”
Justice Ekwo subsequently adjourned the matter till June 3, 2024.
Osase was arrested on March 11 and accused of propagating the messages of the terrorist group, opposing the democratic system of government in Nigeria, and calling for terrorist attacks on Nigeria and its symbols of sovereignty.
In an affidavit dated March 27, 2024, and deposed to by an official of the DSS attached to the Legal Service Department, National Headquarters, Abuja, the service sought an order to detain the suspect (Osase Emmanuel) for 60 days, adding that the suspect’s release could jeopardise the investigation.
The respondent was accused of being still engaged with a criminal pro-ISIS online media group known as Al-Alawn Media Foundation.
