In a recent development, the Federal High Court in Abuja has authorized the Department of State Services (DSS) to detain Emmanuel Osase, suspected of affiliating with the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The decision was made by Justice Inyang Ekwo, who is currently presiding as the vacation judge, granting the security agency a 60-day detention period to complete investigations into Osase’s alleged involvement with the terrorist group.
This ruling follows an ex-parte motion labeled: FHC/ABJ/CS/409/2024, which was filed by the DSS through its legal team led by A. A. Ugee. The motion was filed under Section 66(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
The court has adjourned the matter until June 3 for further proceedings.
According to court documents, Osase was arrested on March 11 by security operatives for allegedly supporting ISIS by propagating its messages and opposing Nigeria’s democratic system of government. The DSS asserted that Osase’s detention is necessary to advance ongoing investigations into his alleged commitment to ISIS.
Additionally, the DSS revealed that Osase had previously served a five-year prison sentence in France for terrorism-related offenses and was deported back to Nigeria upon completion of his sentence. Despite his conviction, Osase reportedly continued engaging in terrorist activities, including interacting with a proscribed pro-ISIS online media group called the “al-Alawn Media Foundation.”
Furthermore, the DSS informed the court that Osase attempted to erase potentially incriminating evidence from his phone upon sighting security agents, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations against him.
The DSS emphasized the national security implications of Osase’s activities and highlighted the need for a thorough investigation to prevent potential security threats to Nigeria and the wider world. Additionally, Osase’s cooperation is deemed vital in apprehending other individuals associated with ISIS who remain at large.
