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A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of a retired Department of State Services (DSS) officer, Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, at the Kuje Correctional Centre after he was arraigned on allegations linked to terrorism and cybercrime. Prosecutors accused the former security operative of using online platforms to promote activities allegedly connected to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), an organisation banned by the Federal Government. He pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge when it was read before the court.
According to the prosecution, the charges stem from social media posts and other online activities said to have encouraged support for IPOB and its objectives, actions the government argues violate the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act. During the proceedings, the prosecution urged the court to remand the defendant pending trial, while the defence challenged aspects of the application and sought relief on his behalf.
After listening to submissions from both parties, Justice Muhammed Umar ordered that Ezeakolam remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter until October 29 for the commencement of trial. The case adds to a number of recent prosecutions involving alleged online support for banned groups, highlighting the government’s continued enforcement of anti-terrorism and cybercrime laws. The court is expected to determine the defendant’s culpability after hearing evidence from both the prosecution and the defence during the trial.
