A retired officer of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, has been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of supporting the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and committing offences under Nigeria’s terrorism and cybercrime laws.
Ezeakolam appeared before Justice Mohammed Umar on a four-count charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), on behalf of the Federal Government.
According to the prosecution, the retired DSS officer allegedly rendered support and material assistance to IPOB, an organisation proscribed by the Nigerian government, in violation of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The government further accused him of knowingly becoming a member of the organisation and using social media platforms to publish messages allegedly designed to encourage public support for IPOB and advance its activities.
One of the charges also alleges that the defendant committed offences under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended) by publishing online content said to promote the activities of the proscribed group.
When the charges were read in court, Ezeakolam pleaded not guilty to all four counts.
Following his plea, prosecuting counsel Memunat Oladunjoye requested a date for the commencement of trial. Defence counsel Godfirst Maduka informed the court of his intention to file a bail application, prompting Justice Umar to direct that the application could be filed at any time before the hearing.
The court subsequently fixed October 29 for the commencement of trial and ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of his bail application.
The charges against Ezeakolam include allegedly providing moral support to IPOB through internet publications, joining the proscribed organisation, encouraging public support through social media posts, and publishing online content intended to advance the group’s cause. The allegations remain before the court, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
