Four suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) were on Monday arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged roles in the kidnapping and killing of a Department of State Services (DSS) officer.
The defendants, Michael Okafor (also known as Onyechimeleze), Chinedu Chukwudozie (alias Kante), Chibunna Olisa and Chigozie Olisa (also known as Ability) faced a six-count charge bordering on terrorism and kidnapping before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.
Prosecutors alleged that the four conspired to commit acts of terrorism and abducted Ekpeyong Asuquo Owoh, a DSS operative, while he was travelling from Port Harcourt in Rivers State to Awka in Anambra State. They are further accused of holding the officer hostage and causing his death during the operation.
The suspects were also charged with belonging to IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), as well as unlawful possession of firearms, including AK-47 and pump action rifles, in connection with the alleged offences. The charges followed investigations into the officer’s abduction and killing and the defendants’ purported activities.
All four pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.
Munirat Oladunjoye, counsel for the DSS, applied for the matter to proceed to trial. Kelvin Ekwe, appearing for the defendants, did not oppose the application. Oladunjoye informed the court that the prosecution had three witnesses ready to testify.
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case to October 6 for the commencement of trial and ordered that the accused persons remain in DSS custody.
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