The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of Sumaiya Abubakar in the custody of the State Security Service (SSS) after she pleaded guilty to knowingly supporting members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) by helping to keep arms and ammunition.
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Justice Salim Ibrahim deferred her conviction pending a review of the facts by the prosecution and adjourned the case until October 14, 2026.
Sumaiya was arraigned on Tuesday on a two-count charge filed by the Federal Government, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/418/2026. The charge, brought by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, accused her of terrorism-related offences.
According to count two, Sumaiya, who hails from Shuwari village in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, committed the alleged offence sometime in 2024 in the Shinge area of Lafia Local Government Area, Nasarawa State.
The prosecution alleged that she knowingly rendered support to ISWAP members by helping to keep their arms and ammunition, an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 13 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
When the matter was called, the prosecution counsel, M.A. Oladunjoye, informed the court that the case was scheduled for arraignment. Defence counsel, E.G. Itodo, raised no objection.
After the charges were read to her, Sumaiya pleaded not guilty to count one but guilty to count two.
Following the plea, Oladunjoye asked the court to convict her on count two. The prosecutor also applied to withdraw count one, which she had denied.
Itodo did not oppose the withdrawal, and Justice Ibrahim consequently struck out count one.
However, the judge held that the prosecution needed to review the facts supporting count two before the court could proceed with a conviction.
The matter was therefore adjourned until October 14 for the review of facts, while Sumaiya was ordered to remain in SSS custody pending the next hearing.
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