The State Security Services (SSS) on Thursday arraigned a retired officer, Nwaogu-Ihechimere Ezeakolam, for allegedly supporting the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), a proscribed organisation.

Mr Ezeakolam was arraigned on a four-count charge, bordering on terrorism, before Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the counts when the charge was read to him.

Following the arraignment, the SSS Counsel, Memunat Oladunjoye, prayed for a trial date.

However, counsel to the defendant, Godfirst Maduka, applied for a date to file bail application for his client.

The judge told him that the application can be filed at any time.

Mr Umar, who adjourned the matter until October 29 for commencement of trial, ordered that Mr Ezeakolam should be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre pending his bail application.

The charge, dated and filed on August 4, was instituted by Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF).

The ex-officer was accused of rendering support and material assistance to IPOB, contrary to and punishable under Section 13 of Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.

He was accused of joining IPOB, despite knowing fully well that it is a proscribed organisation.

The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 25 of Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.

Mr Ezeakolam was also accused of posting messages on social media platforms that were calculated to induce unsuspecting members of the public to support IPOB.

The secret police said the offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 26 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.

The prosecution said the offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 18(1) of Cybercrimes (Prevention, Prohibition, etc) Act, 2015, as amended.

(NAN)