A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of Ihechimere Ezeakolam, a retired operative of the Department of State Services, at the Kuje Correctional Centre following his arraignment on serious terrorism-related charges. The court proceedings, presided over by Justice Muhammed Umar on Thursday, centered on allegations regarding the former officer’s involvement with the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra.
The legal action brought against the retired official includes four distinct counts. Prosecutors claim that between 2025 and 2026, operating across both Abuja and Abia State, the defendant provided support to the group through moral assistance and the strategic dissemination of information online. According to reports gathered by Zoyols News, the state alleges that he utilized various social media platforms to circulate messages designed to promote the organization’s activities and influence public opinion in its favor.
When presented with the charges before the court, Ezeakolam entered a plea of not guilty to all allegations. Following the plea, the prosecution requested that the court set a date for trial and moved for the defendant to be kept in custody until the case is fully resolved. Justice Umar granted the application, ordering the former DSS officer to remain in the Kuje facility. The trial has been scheduled to begin on October 29, 2026.
The charges filed against the retired officer are rooted in several legislative provisions. Specifically, prosecutors have cited Section 13 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act of 2022, alleging direct and indirect support for the proscribed group. Additional counts include claims of joining the organization in violation of Section 25 of the same Act, as well as accusations of aiding and abetting the group by attempting to recruit public support through his digital posts.
Furthermore, the prosecution has leveled a charge under the Cybercrimes Prohibition and Prevention Act of 2015 as amended. This final count suggests that the defendant intentionally posted and facilitated access to online content aimed specifically at advancing the objectives of the group. As the legal process moves forward, these allegations will be subject to thorough scrutiny in the upcoming October trial sessions.
