The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned a retired officer, Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of supporting and associating with the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Ezeakolam was arraigned on a four-count charge before Justice Mohammed Umar, following charges filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).
The DSS accused the former officer of providing support and material assistance to IPOB, joining the group despite knowing it had been proscribed, and using social media platforms to allegedly promote the organisation’s activities.
According to the charges, the alleged offences were committed between 2025 and 2026 in Abuja and Abia State and are punishable under provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Cybercrimes (Prevention, Prohibition, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended.
The first count alleged that Ezeakolam directly and indirectly supported IPOB by providing moral assistance and disseminating what the DSS described as terrorist-related information through the internet and social media platforms.
The second count accused him of joining IPOB, a group recognised by the Nigerian government as a proscribed organisation.
In the third count, the DSS alleged that the retired officer posted messages on social media intended to encourage members of the public to support IPOB.
The fourth count accused him of publishing or facilitating access to messages allegedly aimed at advancing IPOB’s cause, contrary to provisions of the Cybercrimes Act.
When the charges were read to him, Ezeakolam pleaded not guilty.
DSS counsel, Memunat Oladunjoye, requested a date for the commencement of trial, while defence counsel, Godfirst Maduka, informed the court of plans to file a bail application.
Justice Umar granted the defence permission to file the application and fixed October 29 for the commencement of trial.
The judge ordered that Ezeakolam be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of his bail application.
