A retired operative of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, has been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on allegations bordering on membership of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and terrorism-related offences.
Ezeakolam was brought before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar on Thursday to answer a four-count charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Iseoluwa Oyedepo (SAN).
According to the prosecution, the former DSS officer allegedly provided support and material assistance to IPOB, an organisation proscribed by the Federal Government, in violation of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The prosecution also accused him of becoming a member of the group despite being aware of its outlawed status.
In addition, Ezeakolam was alleged to have used social media platforms to publish messages aimed at encouraging members of the public to support IPOB, an act the DSS said contravenes provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Another count alleged that he circulated online content intended to advance the objectives of the separatist group, an offence said to be punishable under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended.
When the charges were read in court, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all four counts.
Following the plea, counsel for the DSS, Memunat Oladunjoye, urged the court to fix a date for the commencement of trial.
Counsel to the defendant, Godfirst Maduka, informed the court of his intention to file a bail application on behalf of his client. Justice Umar directed that the application could be filed at any time.
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The judge subsequently adjourned the case until October 29, 2026, for the commencement of trial and ordered that Ezeakolam be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of his bail application.
According to the charge sheet, the prosecution alleged that between 2025 and 2026, the defendant rendered both direct and indirect support to IPOB by disseminating information related to the group through the internet and various social media platforms.
The DSS further alleged that the retired officer knowingly joined the proscribed organisation and used online platforms to publish messages intended to persuade members of the public to support its activities.
The prosecution also claimed that his social media posts were designed to promote the objectives of IPOB, forming the basis of the cybercrime charge brought against him.
The case is expected to proceed when trial opens later this year.