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The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned four suspected members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) over their alleged involvement in the kidnapping and killing of its operative, Ekpeyong Asuquo Owoh.
The defendants were arraigned on a six-count charge bordering on terrorism and the alleged kidnapping of a DSS personnel before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
They are Michael Okafor, Chinedu Joseph Chukwudozie, Chibunna Olisa and Chigozie Olisa.
The prosecution alleged that the defendants conspired to commit acts of terrorism and were involved in the abduction of Owoh, a DSS operative, while he was travelling from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Awka, Anambra State.
They were further accused of taking the operative hostage and causing his death in the course of the alleged criminal operation.
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The defendants were also accused of belonging to IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), as well as involvement in activities allegedly linked to terrorism.
The prosecution further alleged that the defendants 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 DSS operative and the alleged activities of the defendants.
Counsel for the prosecution, Munirat Oladunjoye, asked the court for a date to commence trial, informing the judge that the prosecution has three witnesses who will testify.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently fixed October 6 for the commencement of trial and ordered that the four defendants be remanded in DSS custody.
