By Opeyemi Adelakun
The Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday arraigned four suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) before a Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged involvement in the kidnapping and killing of its operative, Ekpeyong Asuquo Owoh.
The defendants were brought before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on a six-count charge bordering on terrorism and kidnapping.
Those arraigned were Michael Okafor, also known as Onyechimeleze; Chinedu 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 participated in the abduction of Owoh while he was travelling from Port Harcourt in Rivers State to Awka in Anambra State.
The prosecution further alleged that the DSS operative was taken hostage and subsequently died during the alleged operation.
The defendants were also accused of being members of the proscribed IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), as well as participating in activities allegedly connected with terrorism.
The prosecution additionally alleged that the accused persons were involved in the unlawful possession of firearms, including AK-47 and pump-action rifles, in connection with the offences.
The charges followed investigations into the circumstances surrounding the alleged abduction and killing of the DSS officer and the activities allegedly linked to the defendants.
When the charges were read to them, however, all four defendants pleaded not guilty.
Counsel to the DSS, Munirat Oladunjoye, applied for the matter to proceed to trial and informed the court that the prosecution had three witnesses lined up to testify.
Defence counsel, Kelvin Ekwe, did not oppose the application.
Following the submissions, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case until October 6 for commencement of trial.
The judge also ordered that the four defendants be remanded in DSS custody pending the trial.
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