The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of a retired Department of State Services (DSS) officer, Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, in the Kuje Correctional Centre over allegations of supporting the proscribed terrorist organisation, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Ezeakolam was arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on allegedly joining IPOB, providing support for the proscribed organisation through social media, disseminating messages in its favour, and attempting to induce members of the public to support or join the group.
The prosecution, led by the Department of State Services (DSS) on Thursday, told the court that the alleged offences 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 first count, the Federal Government alleged that between 2025 and 2026, in Abuja and Abia State, Ezeakolam directly and indirectly rendered support to IPOB by providing what it described as moral assistance and disseminating information in support of the organisation through the internet and his social media platforms.
The second count accused the retired DSS officer of joining IPOB, a proscribed organisation, within the same period, an offence said to be punishable under Section 25 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
In the third count, the prosecution alleged that Ezeakolam knowingly aided and abetted IPOB by posting messages on social media calculated to persuade unsuspecting members of the public to support the group, contrary to Section 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The fourth count alleged that he used social media platforms to publish and make accessible messages aimed at advancing the cause of IPOB, an offence punishable under Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended.
When the charges were read to him before Justice Muhammed Umar, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all four counts.
Following his plea, counsel for the prosecution applied for a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in custody pending the determination of the case.
Justice Umar subsequently adjourned the matter until October 29, 2026, for the commencement of trial and ordered that Ezeakolam be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending further proceedings.