Husseni Ismaila (aka Maitangaran), the alleged mastermind behind the 2014 multiple bomb attacks in
Kano, was re-arraigned by the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Federal High Court in Abuja on
Wednesday.

The prosecuting counsel, Mr E.A. Aduda, informed the court of an amended charge consisting of four
counts against the defendant. Ismaila pleaded not guilty to all charges, which include professing to be a
member of Boko Haram and direct participation in an act of terrorism, resulting in deaths at the Kano
Central Mosque.

The prosecution requested the court to proceed with the trial, but the defense counsel, Mr Peter
Dajang, argued against it. Dajang claimed that the prosecution had disregarded a court order issued on
Dec. 6, 2021, directing the transfer of the defendant from DSS custody to the Kuje Correctional Centre.
The judge scheduled a ruling on this matter for Jan. 25, 2024, and set Feb. 7, 2024, for the continuation
of the substantive case. The defense contends that the trial should not proceed until the court order is
obeyed, emphasizing that the defendant remains in DSS custody despite the court’s directive.