Ex-DSS officer arraigned over alleged IPOB membership, terrorism sponsorship

By Ahmed Isah

A retired operative of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, was on Thursday arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged membership of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and terrorism-related offences.

Ezeakolam was arraigned before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar on a four-count charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF).

The prosecution alleged that the defendant provided support and material assistance to IPOB, contrary to Section 13 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

He was also accused of joining the organisation despite allegedly knowing that it had been proscribed by the Federal Government.

According to the prosecution, the defendant posted messages on social media to induce members of the public to support IPOB and to advance the activities of the group.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Following his plea, counsel to the DSS, Mrs Memunat Oladunjoye, asked the court for a date for commencement of trial.

Counsel to the defendant, Mr Godfirst Maduka, informed the court of his intention to file a bail application.

Justice Umar directed the defence counsel to file the application at any time and subsequently fixed Oct. 29 for commencement of trial.

The judge also ordered that the defendant be remanded in the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing and determination of his bail application.