The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) permission to detain Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) A.A. Babangida and 19 other suspects for 30 days.
These individuals are under investigation for their alleged involvement in banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism.
Among those detained alongside Babangida are Usman Idris, Abu Safiyanu, Alhassan Idris, Sahada Ishaka, Abubakar Bello, Yahaya Abdullahi, Haruna Salisu, Mohammed Muazu, Nura Idris, Alhaji Manu Mohammed, Umar Lamu, Abubakar Mandara, Suleiman Mohammed, Alhaji Madayi, Alhaji Amodu Oghewe, and Uzoma Aghaoyibo.
Justice Peter Lifu, presiding over the case, ruled in favor of an ex-parte motion filed by the DIA, permitting the 30-day detention to allow for the conclusion of ongoing investigations. The DIA, represented by its lawyer S.A. Aminu, had originally requested a 90-day detention, citing the complexity of the suspects’ involvement in terrorist activities, including aiding Boko Haram, bandits, and ISWAP operatives.
The DIA disclosed that ASP Babangida was arrested in June and has since been in custody, accused of facilitating terrorist activities across Nigeria. Aminu emphasized that the detained suspects were instrumental in providing information that led to the recent apprehension of bomb experts connected to these terrorist groups. The agency intends to complete its investigation before handing over the case to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) for prosecution.
The court, however, declined the DIA’s request for a 90-day detention, noting that the suspects had already been in custody for three months. Justice Lifu reminded the agency of the constitutional presumption of innocence until proven guilty and urged the DIA to expedite its investigation within the legal framework.
This development comes amid escalating terrorist activities in Nigeria, particularly in the North and Southeast regions, where daily attacks, kidnappings, and killings have become rampant. The Federal Government is currently prosecuting over 300 individuals accused of terrorism and other serious crimes, with trials resuming under special judges at the Federal High Court, in collaboration with the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
