Ex-DSS Officer Remanded Over Alleged IPOB Support

Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, a former officer of the Department of State Services (DSS), was arraigned on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja on a four-count charge related to terrorism. The charges were brought by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mr. Rotimi Iseoluwa Oyedepo, SAN.

Ezeakolam is accused of associating with the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and providing support and material assistance to the organization, which is contrary to the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022. Specific allegations include posting messages on social media to induce public support for IPOB and disseminating terrorist information.

Ezeakolam has pleaded not guilty to all charges. During the proceedings, the DSS lawyer, Memunat Oladunjoye, requested a trial date, while Ezeakolam's counsel, Godfirst Maduka, sought a date for a bail application.

Justice Mohammed Garba Umar set the trial to commence on October 29 and ordered Ezeakolam to be remanded at Kuje prison pending the bail application.