The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested and is prosecuting its retired officer, Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, alleging that he associates with and supports the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Sources report that Ezeakolam is arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on four counts. The charges allege that he provided support and material assistance to IPOB, joined the group despite its proscription, and posted social media messages intended to advance IPOB’s cause.
The prosecution is brought under Nigeria’s Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, and the Cybercrimes Act, 2015, according to the reports. Ezeakolam pleads not guilty when the charges are read. The Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Iseoluwa Oyedepo (SAN), is reported as filing the charges, while DSS counsel seeks trial scheduling and the defence requests time to move a bail application.
The court remands Ezeakolam pending his bail hearing and sets a date for the opening of trial, with October 29 reported as the next scheduled hearing.
