The Department of State Services has arraigned a retired officer, Nwaogu Ezeakolam, for alleged association with the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra.
Ezeakolam was arraigned at the Federal High Court, Abuja, before Justice Mohammed Umar on a four-count charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN.
IPOB, led by Nnamdi Kanu, was proscribed and designated a terrorist organisation by the Federal Government in 2017, although the group continue to operate internationally as a legal entity. Kanu is currently serving a life imprisonment in a Sokoto State jail, although he has appealed the judgement.
Count one alleges that between 2025 and 2026 in Abuja and Abia State, Ezeakolam rendered support to IPOB by providing moral assistance and sharing terrorist information online.
This is contrary to Section 13 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, published by Nigeria Law Reform.
Count two alleges he joined IPOB knowing it is proscribed, contrary to Section 25 of same Act.
Count three alleges he aided IPOB by posting messages on social media calculated to induce public support, contrary to Section 26 of the Act.
Count four alleges he posted messages to advance IPOB’s cause online, contrary to Section 18 of the Cybercrimes Act, 2015, as amended.
“That you, Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, adult, male, sometime 2025 and 2026, at Abuja and Abia State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did directly and indirectly render support by providing moral assistance and disseminating terrorist information of Indigenous People of Biafra, a proscribed organisation, through the internet and your social media platforms,” part of the charge read.
When charges were read, Ezeakolam pleaded not guilty.
DSS lawyer Memunat Oladunjoye asked for a trial date. Defence counsel Godfirst Maduka asked for time to file bail application.
Justice Umar fixed October 29 for trial and ordered remand at Kuje prison pending bail.
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