Ex-DSS Officer Charged With Alleged Support for IPOB

The Nigerian government has arraigned a retired operative of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nwaogu Ezeakolam, over allegations of supporting the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Ezeakolam was arraigned before Justice Mohammed Umar of the High Court in Abuja on a four-count charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).

According to the prosecution, the retired officer allegedly provided moral and material support to IPOB by disseminating information linked to the group through the internet and social media.

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He was also accused of joining the organisation despite its proscription, encouraging public support for IPOB through online posts, and publishing messages aimed at advancing the group’s cause.

The charges were brought under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended.

Ezeakolam pleaded not guilty to all four counts.

Following the arraignment, the prosecution requested a trial date, while defence counsel, Godfirst Maduka, informed the court of plans to file a bail application.

Justice Umar adjourned the case until October 29 for the commencement of trial and ordered that the defendant be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his bail application.

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