DSS Arraigns Four Suspected IPOB Members Over Abduction, Murder of Personnel
The Department of State Service (DSS) has arraigned four suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) over their alleged involvement in the abduction and killing of one of its officers, Ekpeyong Asuquo Owoh.
The defendants—Michael Okafor, also known as Onyechimeleze; Chinedu Chukwudozie, alias Kante; Chibunna Olisa; and Chigozie Olisa, also known as Ability—were arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja on a six-count charge bordering on terrorism and kidnapping.
The prosecution alleged that the defendants conspired to commit acts of terrorism and participated in the abduction of Owoh while he was travelling from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Awka, Anambra State.
They were further accused of taking the SSS operative hostage and causing his death during the alleged operation.
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The prosecution also alleged that the defendants were members of IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), and participated in activities allegedly connected with terrorism.
In addition, the defendants were accused of unlawfully possessing firearms, including AK-47 and pump-action rifles, in connection with the alleged offences.
However, when the charges were read to them, the four defendants pleaded not guilty.
Counsel to the SSS, Munirat Oladunjoye, subsequently applied for the commencement of trial, informing the court that the prosecution had three witnesses lined up to testify in the case.
Counsel to the defendants, Kelvin Ekwe, did not oppose the application.
Justice Abdulmalik thereafter adjourned the case until October 6, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
The judge also ordered that the four defendants be remanded in SSS custody pending further proceedings.
The charges followed investigations into the circumstances surrounding the alleged abduction and killing of the SSS operative and the defendants’ alleged activities.
By PRNigeria
