Court Cautions Defense in IPOB Members' Murder Trial

The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a warning to defense counsel regarding delays in the trial of four suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who are charged with the kidnapping and murder of a State Security Service (SSS) officer, Ekpenyong Owoh. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik presided over the case, where defense lawyers Kelvin Ekwe and Geoffrey Uwadiegwu requested an adjournment.

The defendants, identified as Michael Okafor (alias Onyechimeleze), Chinedu Chukwudozie (alias Kante), Chibunna Olisa, and Chigozie Olisa (alias Ability), were arraigned on 28 September on six counts of terrorism and kidnapping. The prosecution alleges that they conspired to commit acts of terrorism, abducted Owoh while he was traveling from Port Harcourt to Awka, and subsequently killed him.

Additionally, the defendants are accused of unlawful possession of firearms, including an AK-47 rifle and a pump-action gun. The defendants pleaded not guilty, and the prosecution, represented by Munirat Oladunjoye, sought permission to shield the identities of their witnesses.