A retired operative of the Department of State Services, DSS, Nwaogu Ezeakolam, has been arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged links to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
Ezeakolam however pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge bordering on alleged membership of the proscribed group, providing support for its activities, and using social media to promote its cause.
The charges, filed before Justice Mohammed Umar, by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, accused the former DSS officer of rendering moral and material support to IPOB, knowingly joining the organisation, encouraging public support for the group through online publications, and posting messages alleged to have advanced its activities.
The offences are said to contravene provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended).
Following the arraignment, prosecution counsel, Memunat Oladunjoye, requested a date for trial, while defence counsel, Godfirst Maduka, informed the court of his intention to file a bail application.
Justice Umar then fixed 29th October for the commencement of trial and ordered that Ezeakolam be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of his bail application.
The trial Judge noted that the bail application could be filed at any time.
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Editor: Terverr Tyav
