Court remands retired DSS officer over IPOB support, cybercrime

The Department of State Services (DSS) has brought retired military officer Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam before the Federal High Court in Abuja, facing four counts related to alleged terrorism-related offenses and cybercrime. Ezeakolam's defense attorney pleaded "not guilty" to all charges. The court has now adjourned the case to October 29 for trial commencement and ordered Ezeakolam to be held at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending further proceedings. The four charges against Ezeakolam are as follows:

1. That Ezeakolam indirectly provided moral support and disseminated terrorist information about the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a proscribed organization, through the internet and his social media platforms, thereby committing an offense under Section 13 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

2. That Ezeakolam joined IPOB, a proscribed organization, in Abia State within the jurisdiction of the court, thus committing an offense under Section 25 of the same Act.

3. That Ezeakolam knowingly aided and abetted IPOB by posting messages on social media platforms aimed at persuading members of the public to support IPOB, an offense under Section 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

4. That Ezeakolam posted messages on social media platforms promoting the cause of IPOB, a proscribed organization, thereby committing an offense under Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prevention, Promotion, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended.