/ Sep 29, 2026
/ Sep 29, 2026

DSS arraigns four IPOB members over alleged killing of an operative

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The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned four suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) over the alleged kidnapping and killing of its operative, Ekpeyong Asuquo Owoh.

 

The defendants, Michael Okafor, Chinedu Joseph Chukwudozie, Chibunna Olisa and Chigozie Olisa, were arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja on a six-count charge bordering on terrorism and the alleged kidnapping of a DSS personnel.

According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly conspired to commit 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 later died during the incident.

The four defendants were also accused of belonging to IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), and participating in activities allegedly linked to terrorism.

They were additionally accused of unlawfully possessing firearms, including AK-47 and pump-action rifles, in connection with the alleged offences.

Prosecution counsel, Munirat Oladunjoye, asked the court to schedule the matter for trial, saying the prosecution had three witnesses who would testify.

Justice Abdulmalik fixed October 6, 2026, for the commencement of trial and ordered that the four defendants be remanded in DSS custody.

The charges followed investigations into the circumstances surrounding Owoh’s alleged abduction and killing and the activities attributed to the defendants.

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