A Federal High Court in Abuja has remanded a retired officer of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, over alleged links to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and cybercrime-related offences.
Ezeakolam was arraigned on Thursday on a four-count charge bordering on terrorism-related offences and online activities said to promote a proscribed group. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The prosecution told the court that the alleged offences contravene provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as the Cybercrimes Act.
Following his plea, the DSS counsel asked the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendant. Justice Muhammed Umar subsequently adjourned the case until October 29 for trial and ordered that Ezeakolam be held at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
According to the charges, the defendant allegedly used social media platforms between 2025 and 2026 to support IPOB, including sharing messages aimed at encouraging public support for the group. He is also accused of joining and aiding the activities of the organization.
Background:
IPOB, led by Nnamdi Kanu, was proscribed by the Federal Government in September 2017 after a Federal High Court in Abuja declared it an unlawful organization. It was later designated a terrorist group under Nigerian law.
While the group rejects the designation and maintains it is a non-violent movement advocating self-determination for the South-East, security agencies have continued to arrest and prosecute individuals accused of supporting its activities.
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