Ex-DSS Officer Remanded Over Terrorism Charges

Ihechimere Ezeakolam, a retired officer of the Department of State Services, was remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre by the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday after being arraigned on four terrorism-related charges associated with the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Ezeakolam appeared before Justice Muhammed Umar, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The prosecution alleged that between 2025 and 2026, in Abuja and Abia State, he provided moral support to IPOB and disseminated information via social media to promote its activities. The charges include joining IPOB, aiding and abetting the group, and posting messages on social media to induce public support for IPOB, violating the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.

Following the arraignment, the prosecution requested a trial date, and the court adjourned the case until October 29, 2026, for the commencement of the trial.