By Sandra Kenneth
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned four alleged members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) before the Federal High Court in Abuja over their involvement in the abduction and murder of a DSS operative, Ekpeyong Asuquo Owoh.
The defendants—Michael Okafor, Chinedu Joseph Chukwudozie, Chibunna Olisa, and Chigozie Olisa—appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on a six-count charge bordering on terrorism, hostage-taking, and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to the prosecution, the suspects conspired to commit acts of terrorism by ambushing and kidnapping Owoh while he was traveling from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Awka, Anambra State. The operative was held hostage and subsequently killed during the operation.
The security agency further accused the defendants of belonging to IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). Investigators alleged that the group carried out the operation using prohibited weapons, including AK-47 and pump-action rifles.
At the proceedings, prosecution counsel Munirat Oladunjoye informed the court that three witnesses have been slated to testify against the accused persons, requesting a date for the trial to begin.
Justice Abdulmalik ordered that all four defendants be remanded in DSS custody and adjourned the case to October 6 for the commencement of trial.
