Defendants Face Six-Count Terrorism Charge, Trial Begins October 6
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned four suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) over their alleged involvement in the kidnapping and killing of its operative, Ekpeyong Asuquo Owoh.
The defendants are Michael Okafor, Chinedu Joseph Chukwudozie, Chibunna Olisa and Chigozie Olisa were arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
They are facing a six-count charge bordering on terrorism and the alleged kidnapping of Owoh, who was reportedly travelling from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Awka, Anambra State.
The prosecution alleged that the defendants conspired to commit acts of terrorism, abducted the DSS operative and caused his death during the alleged operation.
They were also accused of belonging to IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), and of participating in activities allegedly linked to terrorism.
The prosecution further alleged that the defendants unlawfully possessed firearms, including AK-47 and pump-action rifles, in connection with the offences.
Prosecution counsel, Munirat Oladunjoye, told the court that the prosecution had three witnesses and requested a date for the commencement of trial.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently fixed October 6 for trial and ordered that the four defendants be remanded in DSS custody.