Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered that Emmanuel Osase, a Nigerian accused of being a member of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, be detained for 60 days.
Justice Ekwo issued the order in response to a motion filed ex parte by the Department of State Services (DSS).
At Wednesday’s proceedings, DSS lawyer informed the court that the case was brought under Section 66(1) of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022.
He asked the court for an order allowing the agency to detain the respondent for 60 days pending the outcome of the inquiry.
Justice Ekwo, a vacation judge, ruled in favour of the service’s prayer.
He later delayed the case until June 3, 2024.
Osase, who was arrested on March 11, was charged of spreading terrorist organisation communications, undermining Nigeria’s democratic government, and pushing for terrorist assaults on the country and its symbols of sovereignty.
According to the DSS, Osase was sentenced to five years in prison in France for terrorism-related charges and was deported after serving his time.
According to the Service’s preliminary investigation, Osase remains involved in terrorist operations.