The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned
four suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)
over their alleged involvement in the abduction and killing of its officer,
Ekpeyong Asuquo Owoh.
The suspects were brought before the Federal High
Court in Abuja on a six-count charge bordering on terrorism and the alleged
kidnapping of a DSS operative.
The defendants were identified as Michael Okafor, also
known as Onyechimeleze; Chinedu; Joseph Chukwudozie, alias Kante; Chibunna
Olisa; and Chigozie Olisa, also known as Ability.
According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly
conspired to commit acts of terrorism and were involved 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 during the incident and subsequently died in the course of the
alleged operation.
The 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 court adjourned the case until October 6 for the
commencement of trial.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered that the defendants
be remanded in DSS custody pending the next proceedings.
The allegations against the defendants have not been
established by the court, and the accused persons remain entitled to the
presumption of innocence unless proven guilty.
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