Court Remands Retired DSS Officer Over Alleged Terrorism-Related Offences

A retired officer of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, has been remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre by the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged terrorism-related offences linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Justice Muhammed Umar gave the order on Thursday after Ezeakolam was arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on allegedly supporting a terrorist organisation, joining a proscribed group, disseminating materials in its support, and publishing messages on social media aimed at advancing its cause.

The prosecution alleged that the defendant’s actions contravened Sections 13, 25 and 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended.

According to the charges, Ezeakolam allegedly rendered direct and indirect support to IPOB between 2025 and 2026 by providing what the prosecution described as moral assistance and disseminating terrorist information through the internet and his social media platforms.

The prosecution further accused him of joining IPOB, a proscribed organisation, and knowingly aiding and abetting the group by posting messages allegedly designed to persuade members of the public to support the organisation.

He was also accused of publishing messages on social media intended to advance the cause of IPOB, an act the prosecution said constituted an offence under the Cybercrimes Act.
When the charges were read, Ezeakolam pleaded not guilty to all four counts.

Following his plea, the prosecution requested a date for trial and urged the court to remand the defendant in custody pending the commencement of proceedings.

Justice Umar granted the application, ordered that the retired DSS officer be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre, and adjourned the case until October 29 for the commencement of trial.