A Federal High Court in Abuja has remanded a retired Department of State Services (DSS) officer, Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, at the Kuje Correctional Centre after he was arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism-related offences and cybercrime.
The defendant, who was arraigned by the DSS before Justice Muhammed Umar on Thursday, pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Following his plea, the prosecution urged the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendant pending the determination of the case. Justice Umar subsequently adjourned the matter until October 29, 2026, for the commencement of trial and ordered Ezeakolam’s remand.
According to the charge, the retired officer allegedly rendered moral support to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) by disseminating materials in support of the group through the internet and his social media platforms between 2025 and 2026, an offence said to be contrary to Section 13 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
He was also accused of joining IPOB, allegedly aiding and abetting the group by posting messages intended to persuade members of the public to support it, and publishing online content aimed at advancing the organisation’s cause, contrary to provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended).
The prosecution alleged that the offences were committed in Abuja and Abia State during 2025 and 2026.
IPOB, led by Nnamdi Kanu, was proscribed by the Federal Government in September 2017 after the Federal High Court in Abuja declared it an unlawful organisation. It was subsequently designated a terrorist organisation under Nigeria’s terrorism laws. The group, however, has consistently rejected the designation, insisting it is a non-violent movement advocating self-determination for the South-East.
Since the proscription, Nigerian security agencies have continued to investigate and prosecute individuals accused of supporting or promoting the activities of the group under the country’s anti-terrorism and cybercrime laws.
