Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of a retired officer of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, in the Kuje Correctional Centre over allegations that he provided material support to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Justice Muhammed Umar issued the remand order on Thursday, August 6, 2026, after the retired officer was arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on terrorism, cybercrime, and support for a proscribed terrorist organisation.
According to court documents, Ezeakolam was accused of rendering support and material assistance to IPOB, an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 13 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. He was also charged with offences under Sections 25 and 26 of the same Act, which relate to cybercrime and other related offences. The retired DSS officer pleaded not guilty to all charges when they were read to him in court.
The prosecution, led by counsel from the Federal Ministry of Justice, requested that the defendant be remanded in custody pending the commencement of his trial. The defence counsel did not oppose the application, and Justice Umar subsequently ordered that Ezeakolam be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre. The case has been adjourned to October 29, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
The development marks a significant turn in the career of a former intelligence officer, as Ezeakolam now faces charges that he once would have been tasked with investigating. IPOB has been proscribed and designated a terrorist organisation by the Federal Government since 2017, and the government has consistently maintained a hardline stance against any form of support for the group. The remand of a retired DSS officer over alleged ties to the separatist group has drawn attention to the growing reach of the government's counter-terrorism efforts and the potential vulnerabilities within the country's security apparatus.
As of the time of this report, the DSS had not issued an official statement regarding the arrest and arraignment of its former officer. The trial is expected to commence in late October, and the outcome will likely have significant implications for the broader fight against terrorism and the prosecution of individuals accused of supporting proscribed groups in Nigeria.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments