Retired DSS Officer Arraigned Over Alleged IPOB Terrorism Links

(DSS Uniform. Photo by AIT Online)

The Department of State Services presented a retired officer before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, charged with four counts involving alleged t£rrorism-related offences and cybercrime.

The defendant, Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, pleaded not guilty to all charges following their recitation before Justice Muhammed Umar.

The prosecution alleged that the defendant's actions violated provisions of the T£rrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Following the plea, counsel for the DSS requested adjournment to allow trial proceedings to commence and sought remand of the defendant pending the case's resolution.

The court adjourned the matter to October 29 for trial commencement and ordered Ezeakolam's detention at Kuje Correctional Centre.

The first charge alleged that the defendant directly and indirectly provided support through moral assistance and distribution of material associated with the Indigenous People of Biafra, a designated prohibited organisation, via internet and social media channels during 2025 and 2026 across Abuja and Abia State.

The second charge accused him of joining the prohibited organisation.

The third alleged he aided and abetted the group by posting social media messages designed to persuade the public to support the organisation.

The fourth charge related to posting messages on social media platforms advancing the group's cause, constituting an alleged violation of cybercrime legislation.

The Indigenous People of Biafra, under the leadership of Nnamdi Kanu, was declared an unlawful organisation by the Federal High Court in Abuja and subsequently prohibited by the Federal Government in September 2017.

The government designated the group a t£rrorist organisation under applicable legislation.

IPOB has contested the designation, claiming it operates as a non-violent movement advocating for self-determination of the South-East region.

Since the prohibition, Nigerian security agencies have consistently arrested and prosecuted individuals accused of supporting or promoting the group's activities under t£rrorism legislation and other applicable statutes.