By Kamsi Anayo
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned one of its retired officers, Mr Nwaogu Ezeakolam, for allegedly identifying with the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).
Ezeakolam was put on trial on Thursday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on a four-count charge before Justice Mohammed Umar.
The charges were filed against him by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN).
Among others, the former officer was accused of rendering support and material assistance to IPOB, contrary to and punishable under Section 13 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022 on a four count charge.
After the charges were read, the defendant pleaded “not guilty” to all four counts.
Following his plea, counsel for the secret police requested that the matter be fixed for trial and urged the court to remand the defendant in prison pending the determination of the case.
The presiding judge, Justice Umar subsequently adjourned the matter until October 29 for the commencement of trial and ordered that Ezeakolam be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
