By TAIYE AGBAJE

The Department of State Services (DSS) on Thursday arraigned a retired officer Nwaogu-Ihechimere Ezeakolam, for allegedly rendering support to the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), a proscribed organisation.

Ezeakolam was arraigned on a four-count charge, bordering on terrorism before Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the counts when the charge was read to him.

Following the arraignment, the DSS Counsel, Memunat Oladunjoye, prayed for a trial date.

However, counsel to the defendant, Godfirst Maduka, applied for a date to file bail application for his client.

The judge told him that the application can be filed at any time.

Justice Umar, who adjourned the matter until Oct. 29 for commencement of trial, ordered that Ezeakolam should be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre pending his bail application.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the charge, dated and filed on Aug. 4, was instituted by Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF).

The ex-officer was accused of rendering support and material assistance to IPOB, contrary to and punishable under Section 13 of Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.

He was accused of joining IPOB, despite knowing fully well that it is a proscribed organisation.

The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 25 of Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.

Ezeakolam was also accused of posting on social media platforms, messages calculated to induce unsuspecting members of the public to support IPOB.

The secret police said the offence contrary is contrary to and punishable under Section 26 of Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.

The prosecution said the offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 18(1) of Cybercrimes (Prevention, Prohibition, etc) Act, 2015, as amended.(NAN)

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