Retired DSS Officer Charged with Terrorism Support

Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, a retired officer of the Department of State Services (DSS), was arraigned on Thursday before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a four-count charge related to alleged terrorism and cybercrime. The prosecution, under the oversight of Justice Muhammed Umar, stated that Ezeakolam's actions violated Sections 13, 25, and 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Ezeakolam pleaded "not guilty" to all charges. The DSS counsel requested the court to remand him pending trial, which was scheduled to commence on October 29, with Ezeakolam ordered to be held at Kuje Correctional Centre.

The charges include providing support to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a proscribed organization, through social media, and disseminating messages to encourage public support for IPOB, which was designated a terrorist organization by the Federal Government in 2017.