Ex-DSS officer docked over IPOB membership, terrorism sponsorship

From Godwin Tsa, Abuja

A retired officer of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nwaogu Ezeakolam, was on Thursday arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a four-count charge bordering on alleged membership of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and terrorism sponsorship.

Ezeakolam was arraigned before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar on charges filed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN.

According to the prosecution, the defendant allegedly rendered support and material assistance to IPOB, an offence punishable under Section 13 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

He was also accused of joining the proscribed group despite knowing it had been outlawed, contrary to Section 25 of the same Act.

The prosecution further alleged that the defendant used various social media platforms to post messages intended to persuade members of the public to support IPOB, contrary to Section 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

He was equally accused of using online platforms to advance the activities of the group, an offence contrary to Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to all four counts when they were read to him.

Counsel to the DSS, Memunat Oladunjoye, urged the court to fix a date for the commencement of trial, while defence counsel, Godfirst Maduka, sought time to file a bail application on behalf of his client.

Justice Umar ruled that the bail application could be filed at any time and subsequently fixed October 29 for the commencement of trial.

He also ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing and determination of his bail application.

According to the charge, the alleged offences were committed between 2025 and 2026 in Abuja and Abia State.