In a dramatic turn of events, a retired officer of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nwaogu Ezeakolam, has been arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja for allegedly associating with the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB)—a group he was once sworn to combat.
Ezeakolam was brought before Justice Mohammed Umar on a four-count charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN). The embattled former spy pleaded not guilty to all counts, which include rendering material and moral support to IPOB, joining the banned organisation, and using social media to propagate its cause.
According to the DSS, Ezeakolam allegedly committed the offences between 2025 and 2026 across Abuja and Abia State. The charges are brought under the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, and the Cybercrimes (Prevention, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended.
Specifically, Count One accuses him of disseminating terrorist information and providing moral assistance to IPOB via internet platforms—an offence punishable under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act. Count Two alleges he knowingly joined the proscribed group, contrary to Section 25 of the same Act. Count Three claims he posted messages designed to induce public support for IPOB, while Count Four charges him with advancing the group’s cause through social media, in violation of cybercrime laws.
When the charges were read, Ezeakolam’s counsel, Godfirst Maduka, requested a date to file a bail application. Justice Umar granted the request, noting that the application could be filed at any time, but ordered that the accused be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his bail plea.
The court has fixed October 29 for the commencement of trial, with DSS lawyer Memunat Oladunjoye urging for a swift hearing date.
The case has sent shockwaves through security circles, as it marks a rare instance of a former intelligence operative being prosecuted for alleged ties to a group designated as a terrorist organisation by the Nigerian government.
