
A retired officer of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, was on Thursday arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on allegations of supporting the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and disseminating materials promoting the group.
Ezeakolam was docked before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar on a four-count charge bordering on terrorism-related offences and cybercrime.
The charges, filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Iseoluwa Oyedepo (SAN), accuse the former intelligence officer of rendering material and moral support to IPOB, despite the group’s proscription by the Federal Government.
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When the charges were read in court, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all four counts.
Following his plea, counsel to the DSS, Memunat Oladunjoye, urged the court to fix a date for the commencement of trial.
Defence counsel, Godfirst Maduka, informed the court of his intention to file a bail application on behalf of his client and requested time to do so.
Justice Umar ruled that the application could be filed at any time and adjourned the matter until October 29, 2026, for the commencement of trial. Pending the determination of any bail application, the judge ordered that Ezeakolam be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
According to the prosecution, the offences were allegedly committed between 2025 and 2026 in Abuja and Abia State.
The first count alleges that the retired DSS officer directly and indirectly rendered support to IPOB by providing moral assistance and disseminating information promoting the activities of the organisation through the internet and various social media platforms.
The prosecution said the alleged conduct contravenes Section 13 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
In the second count, Ezeakolam is accused of joining IPOB despite being aware that it had been declared a proscribed organisation by the Federal Government. The alleged offence is punishable under Section 25 of the same Act.
The third charge alleges that he knowingly aided and abetted the activities of IPOB by publishing messages on social media designed to encourage members of the public to support the organisation, an offence punishable under Section 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The fourth count accuses the retired security operative of using social media platforms to publish and circulate messages intended to advance the objectives of IPOB, contrary to Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended.
The prosecution is expected to call witnesses and tender evidence when the trial begins in October.
IPOB remains a proscribed organisation in Nigeria following its designation by the Federal Government, with security agencies continuing to prosecute individuals accused of supporting or promoting its activities under the country’s terrorism and cybercrime laws.

