Four IPOB Members Charged Over Killing of SSS Officer

The State Security Service (SSS) on Monday charged four suspected members of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). They are accused of kidnapping and killing an SSS officer, Ekpenyong Asuquo Owoh.

The four were brought before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik at a Federal High Court in Abuja. They face a six-count charge of terrorism and kidnapping.

The accused are Michael Okafor, also known as Onyechimeleze; Chinedu Chukwudozie, known as Kante; Chibunna Olisa; and Chigozie Olisa, who goes by Ability.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the prosecution claims the suspects worked together to commit acts of terrorism. They were involved in the abduction of Mr Owoh while he was travelling from Port Harcourt in Rivers State to Awka in Anambra State.

The defendants are also accused of holding the officer hostage and causing his death during the alleged crime. They reportedly belong to the banned IPOB and its armed group, the Eastern Security Network, with ties to terrorism-related activities.

Additionally, the prosecution claims the suspects had illegal firearms, including AK-47 and pump-action rifles, related to the charges against them. These charges came after investigations into the officer's abduction and murder and the defendants' alleged activities.

The four suspects pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them. Munirat Oladunjoye represented the SSS and requested a trial. Kelvin Ekwe, who represented the defendants, did not oppose this request.

Ms Oladunjoye told the court that the prosecution has three witnesses ready to testify during the trial. Justice Abdulmalik then postponed the case until 6 October to start the trial. The judge ordered that the four accused individuals be held in SSS custody.