Court remands four suspected IPOB members over alleged killing of DSS operative
The Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday arraigned four alleged members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in connection with the kidnapping and murder of a DSS officer, Ekpeyong Asuquo Owoh.
The suspects face six counts, including terrorism and the abduction of a DSS personnel. The arraignment occurred at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The defendants were identified as Michael Okafor, also known as Onyechimeleze; Chinedu Joseph Chukwudozie, alias Kante; Chibunna Olisa; and Chigozie Olisa, referred to as Ability.
During the proceedings, the prosecution claimed that the defendants conspired to commit acts of terrorism and were directly involved in the abduction of Owoh while he traveled from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Awka, Anambra State. They are also accused of taking him hostage and causing his death during the alleged crime.
In addition to the kidnapping and murder charges, the prosecution alleges that the defendants are affiliated with the banned IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), and that they were involved in activities purportedly linked to terrorism. The defendants are also charged with unlawful possession of firearms, including AK-47 and pump-action rifles, related to these offenses.
The charges were brought forth following an investigation into the events surrounding the abduction and killing of the DSS officer and the accused individuals’ alleged criminal activities.
Upon being informed of the charges, the defendants pleaded not guilty. The DSS’s counsel, Munirat Oladunjoye, requested a trial date and indicated that three witnesses would testify during the proceedings.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted October 6 as the date to begin the trial and ordered that the accused be remanded in DSS custody.
At the arraignment, Kelvin Ekwe represented the defendants.
