The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of four suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in connection with the alleged abduction and killing of a Department of State Services (DSS) operative, Ekpeyong Asuquo Owoh.
The suspects—Michael Okafor, also known as Onyechimeleze; Chinedu Chukwudozie, alias Kante; Chibunna Olisa; and Chigozie Olisa, alias Ability—were arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on a six-count charge bordering on terrorism and kidnapping.
The prosecution alleged that the defendants conspired to carry out acts of terrorism and abducted Owoh while he was travelling from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Awka, Anambra State.
According to the DSS, the officer was allegedly taken hostage and later killed during the operation.
The defendants were also accused of being members of IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), as well as allegedly participating in activities linked to terrorism.
The prosecution further alleged that firearms, including AK-47 and pump-action rifles, were unlawfully possessed by the suspects in connection with the offences.
All four defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.
Counsel to the DSS, Munirat Oladunjoye, asked the court to allow the matter to proceed to trial, noting that the prosecution had three witnesses lined up to testify.
Defence counsel, Kelvin Ekwe, did not oppose the application.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently fixed October 6 for the commencement of trial and ordered that the four defendants remain in DSS custody pending further proceedings.
