Court Grants DIA 30-Day Detention Order For Policeman, 19 Others Over Alleged Terrorism Involvement

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) permission to detain an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), A. A. Babangida, along with 19 other individuals, for 30 days.

Naija News reports that the detention is linked to their alleged participation in banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism.

The court’s decision allows DIA operatives to conduct a thorough investigation into the suspects’ involvement in these serious crimes.

ASP Babangida, who has been in DIA custody since June, is accused of aiding terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP in various operations across the country.

The detention order was issued on Wednesday following an ex-parte application submitted by DIA, identified as FHC/ABJ/CS/1146/2024.

DIA’s counsel, S.A. Aminu, initially sought a 90-day detention period, citing the complexity of the investigation and the recent capture of bomb experts linked to the suspects.

Justice Lifu, however, approved only a 30-day detention, emphasizing the need for a prompt and lawful investigation. He highlighted that the suspects have already been in custody for three months and are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The court instructed DIA to expedite its investigation within the legal framework to avoid any violations.