The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned four suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) over the alleged abduction and killing of its operative, Ekpeyong Asuquo Owoh.
The defendants — Michael Okafor, Chinedu Joseph Chukwudozie, Chibunna Olisa and Chigozie Olisa — appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja on a six-count charge.
They are facing allegations bordering on terrorism, kidnapping and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly conspired to carry out acts of terrorism and abducted Owoh while he was travelling from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Awka, Anambra State.
The prosecution further alleged that the DSS operative was taken hostage and died during the incident.
The four defendants were also accused of being members of IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), and of participating in activities allegedly linked to terrorism.
The prosecution additionally alleged that the defendants were found in unlawful possession of firearms, including AK-47 and pump-action rifles, allegedly connected to the offences.
Munirat Oladunjoye, counsel to the prosecution, asked the court to schedule the matter for trial and informed the judge that the prosecution had three witnesses prepared to testify.
Justice Abdulmalik fixed October 6 for the commencement of trial and ordered that the defendants be remanded in DSS custody.
