The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned four suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) over the alleged kidnapping and killing of its operative, Ekpeyong Asuquo Owoh.
The defendants were brought before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja on a six-count charge bordering on terrorism and the alleged abduction and killing of a DSS personnel. They were identified as Michael Okafor, Chinedu Joseph Chukwudozie, Chibunna Olisa and Chigozie Olisa.
According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly conspired to carry out terrorist acts and participated in the abduction of Owoh while he was travelling from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Awka, Anambra State. The prosecution further alleged that the DSS operative was held hostage before being killed during the incident.
The four defendants were also accused of belonging to IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), as well as participating in activities the prosecution linked to terrorism. They were additionally accused of unlawfully possessing firearms, including AK-47 and pump-action rifles, allegedly in connection with the offences.
The charges followed investigations into the circumstances surrounding Owoh’s alleged abduction and death and the activities attributed to the defendants. Prosecution counsel Munirat Oladunjoye told the court that the state had three witnesses prepared to testify and requested a date for the commencement of the trial.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently fixed October 6 for the start of proceedings and ordered that the four defendants be remanded in DSS custody. The defendants have not been convicted of the allegations against them. Their trial is expected to determine whether the prosecution can establish the charges beyond the required legal standard.
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