Court remands retired DSS officer over IPOB support, cybercrime

A retired Department of State Services (DSS) officer, Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, is facing charges related to terrorism and cybercrime. He was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a four-count charge, accused of supporting the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The prosecution contends that Ezeakolam provided moral assistance and disseminated information supporting IPOB through his social media platforms between 2025 and 2026. The charges also include allegations of joining IPOB and aiding its cause by posting messages aimed at encouraging public support for the organization. These actions are said to contravene sections of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Ezeakolam pleaded not guilty to all four counts. The DSS counsel requested the court to fix a date for trial and remand the defendant pending the case's determination. Justice Muhammed Umar granted the request, adjourning the matter to October 29 for trial commencement and ordering Ezeakolam's remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre.

One of the charges specifically details that Ezeakolam allegedly posted messages on social media platforms aimed at advancing the cause of IPOB, which constitutes an offense under the Cybercrimes (Prevention, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015, as amended. The court's decision reflects the seriousness with which such alleged offenses are being treated.