THE DEPARTMENT of State Services (DSS) on Monday arraigned four suspected members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) over their alleged involvement in the kidnapping and killing of its officer, Ekpeyong Asuquo Owoh.
The defendants were arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of a Federal High Court in Abuja on a six-count charge bordering on terrorism and kidnapping.
The defendants are Michael Okafor, a.k.a Onyechimeleze; Chinedu Chukwudozie, alias Kante; Chibunna Olisa; and Chigozie Olisa, a.k.a Ability.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the prosecution alleged that the defendants conspired to commit acts of terrorism and were involved in the abduction of Owoh, an officer of the DSS, while he was travelling from Port Harcourt in Rivers to Awka in Anambra.
They were further accused of taking the operative hostage and causing his death in the course of the alleged criminal operation.
The suspects were also accused of belonging to the proscribed IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), as well as involvement in activities allegedly linked to terrorism.
In addition, the prosecution alleged that the suspects were involved in the unlawful possession of firearms, including AK-47 and pump-action rifles, in connection with the alleged offences.
The charges followed investigations into the circumstances surrounding the abduction and killing of the officer and the alleged activities of the defendants.
However, when the charges were read to them, they pleaded not guilty.
Munirat Oladunjoye, who appeared for the DSS, sought a trial within a trial, which Kelvin Ekwe, who appeared for the defendants did not opposed.
Oladunjoye, however, informed the court that the prosecution had three witnesses that would give evidence during trial.
Justice Abdulmalik consequently adjourned the matter until Oct. 6 for commencement of trial.
The judge ordered that the four accused persons be remanded at the DSS custody. (NAN)
