DSS nabs ex-officer over terrorism-related offences, to be docked August 6
Retired DSS Officer Arrested for Alleged Links to Proscribed Group
The Department of State Services (DSS) has apprehended Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, a retired officer, for purportedly associating with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group that has been designated as a terrorist organization.
Ezeakolam is currently detained at a DSS facility and is scheduled to appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja, facing four charges. The arraignment will take place before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar, following the filing of charges by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Iseoluwa Oyedepo, SAN.
The allegations against Ezeakolam include providing support and material assistance to IPOB, which is in violation of Section 13 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The former officer is also accused of knowingly joining the organization despite its proscribed status, an offense punishable under Section 25 of the same act.
Additionally, the DSS alleges that Ezeakolam utilized social media to disseminate messages encouraging public support for IPOB, counter to Section 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. He further faces charges for posting messages intended to advance IPOB’s agenda, in violation of Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended.
The specific charges include:
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Count One: Accusation of aiding IPOB by providing assistance and disseminating information via social media during the years 2025 and 2026, contrary to Section 13 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
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Count Two: Joining the proscribed IPOB organization during the same period, which violates Section 25 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
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Count Three: Aiding and abetting IPOB through social media to induce public support during 2025 and 2026, in violation of Section 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
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Count Four: Posting messages on social media aimed at promoting IPOB’s cause during the specified timeframe, violating Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
Ezeakolam is expected to enter his plea on Thursday, August 6.
