The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a retired officer, Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, over terrorism-related offences linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Ezeakolam, who is currently being held in the DSS detention facility, is expected to be arraigned before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday, August 6, on a four-count charge bordering on terrorism-related offences.
The charges were filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Iseoluwa Oyedepo (SAN), following investigations by the DSS.
According to the charge sheet, the retired DSS officer rendered support and material assistance to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) by providing moral support and disseminating information intended to promote the activities of the group through the internet and his social media platforms.
The offence, the Service said, is contrary to Section 13 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and is punishable under the same law.
He was also accused of joining IPOB despite knowing that the organisation had been proscribed by the federal government, an offence punishable under Section 25 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
In another count, the DSS stated that Ezeakolam knowingly aided and abetted the activities of IPOB by posting messages on social media platforms designed to persuade members of the public to support the group, contrary to Section 26 of the Act.
The Service further accused him of publishing online messages aimed at advancing the cause of IPOB, an offence punishable under Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended).
According to the prosecution, the offences were committed between 2025 and 2026 in Abuja and Abia State, where the defendant engaged in activities considered to be in support of the proscribed organisation.
Court documents also claimed that the retired officer used digital platforms to circulate materials capable of encouraging public support for IPOB despite its proscription under Nigerian law.
Ezeakolam is likely to face penalties under both the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Cybercrimes Act, depending on the outcome of the trial.
His plea is expected to be taken when he appears before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, after which the court is expected to determine the next stage of the proceedings.
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