The Federal Government has arraigned a retired officer of the Department of State Services (DSS) Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, before the Federal High Court in Abuja for allegedly being a member of the proscribed secessionist group (Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Ezeakolam was docked before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar on a four-count charge bordering on alleged support for a terrorist organisation, membership of a proscribed group, dissemination of terrorist information, and cyber-related offences.
The charges were filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), Mr Rotimi Oyedepo.
According to the prosecution, the retired DSS operative allegedly rendered support and material assistance to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), contrary to Section 13 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
He was also accused of joining IPOB despite knowing it had been declared a proscribed organisation, an offence punishable under Section 25 of the same Act.
In another count, the prosecution alleged that Ezeakolam used his social media platforms to post messages intended to induce members of the public to support IPOB, contrary to Section 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
He was further accused of posting messages aimed at advancing the cause of IPOB on social media, an offence punishable under Section 18 of the (Cybercrimes Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended.
When the charges were read to him, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all four counts. Following his plea, DSS counsel, Memunat Oladunjoye, urged the court to fix a date for trial, while defence counsel, Godfirst Maduka, sought time to file a bail application. Justice Umar directed that the application could be filed at any time.
The judge subsequently fixed October 29 for the commencement of trial and ordered that Ezeakolam be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing and determination of his bail application.
In the first count, the prosecution alleged that between 2025 and 2026, in Abuja and Abia State, the defendant directly and indirectly rendered support to IPOB by providing moral assistance and disseminating terrorist information through the internet and his social media platforms.
The remaining counts accused him of joining the proscribed organisation, using social media to encourage public support for IPOB, and publishing messages intended to advance the group’s activities, contrary to the relevant provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended.
(Ripples)
