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

The defendants were docked on a six-count charge bordering on terrorism and kidnapping before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Those arraigned are Michael Okafor, Chinedu Joseph Chukwudozie, Chibunna Olisa and Chigozie Olisa.

According to the prosecution, the defendants conspired to commit terrorism and abducted Owoh, a DSS personnel, while he was travelling from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Awka, Anambra State.

They were accused of taking the operative hostage and causing his death in the process.

The prosecution also alleged that the defendants belong to IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, ESN, and engaged in terrorism-related activities.

They were further accused of unlawful possession of firearms, including AK-47 and pump-action rifles, in connection with the alleged crimes.

The charges followed investigations into the abduction and murder of the DSS operative.

Prosecution counsel, Munirat Oladunjoye, asked the court for a trial date, informing the court that three witnesses will testify.

Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to October 6 for commencement of trial and ordered that the four defendants be remanded in DSS custody.

Source: Punch News