A retired officer, Nwaogu-Ihechimere Ezeakolam, has been brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja by the State Security Services (SSS) over alleged involvement with the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).
Ezeakolam appeared before Justice Mohammed Umar on Thursday to answer a four-count charge related to terrorism offences. He pleaded not guilty after the charges were read in court.
Following his plea, prosecution counsel, Memunat Oladunjoye, asked the court to fix a date for trial. Defence counsel, Godfirst Maduka, requested time to file a bail application on behalf of his client. Justice Umar said the application could be submitted at any time.
The court subsequently adjourned the case until October 29 for the commencement of trial and ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his bail request.
According to the charge filed on August 4 by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), the defendant allegedly provided support and material assistance to IPOB, contrary to the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The prosecution further accused him of knowingly becoming a member of the banned group, an offence also said to violate the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
In addition, Ezeakolam is alleged to have published messages on social media aimed at encouraging members of the public to support IPOB. Prosecutors said the act contravenes the Terrorism Act as well as Section 18(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended.
The matter is expected to resume on October 29.