IPOB Distances Itself From Arraigned Ex-DSS Operative, Questions Kuje Prison Remand

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has denied any connection with Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, a retired Department of State Services (DSS) operative recently arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja, while raising concerns over his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre.

Ezeakolam was arraigned on Thursday before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar on a four-count charge bordering on allegedly providing support and material assistance to IPOB, offences said to be punishable under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Reacting in a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, IPOB rejected the allegations linking the retired security officer to the organisation, insisting that it neither knows nor recognises him as a member or official.

The group stated that Ezeakolam has never served in any capacity within its command structure and argued that any issues involving the retired DSS operative should remain a matter between him and his former employers.

IPOB challenged the DSS to publicly present evidence proving the suspect’s alleged membership of the organisation.

It demanded details of when he supposedly joined the group, who recruited him, the unit or command under which he served, and the officials he allegedly reported to during his purported involvement with the movement.

According to the organisation, merely mentioning IPOB in a criminal charge does not automatically establish membership.

The group also questioned the decision to remand the suspect at the Kuje Correctional Centre, suggesting that the circumstances surrounding the case deserved closer scrutiny.

IPOB argued that the combination of a former DSS operative being prosecuted by the same agency and subsequently detained at Kuje could create suspicion of a possible intelligence operation.

While stating that it had no evidence to prove such a claim, the group said the sequence of events was unusual enough to warrant vigilance and independent verification.

The organisation warned the DSS and the Nigerian Correctional Service against any attempt to use serving or retired security personnel to falsely present themselves as IPOB members for intelligence purposes.

It further maintained that Ezeakolam neither represents IPOB nor has any authority to speak or act on behalf of the group.

IPOB also alleged that reports linking individuals to the organisation often emerge whenever developments appear favourable to its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, describing the pattern as repetitive.

The group further criticised what it described as disproportionate media attention given to stories involving IPOB compared to violent crimes affecting communities, including the recent abduction of worshippers at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Inoyi, Affa, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The organisation concluded by urging authorities to rely on verifiable evidence rather than allegations in prosecuting terrorism-related offences and called for greater transparency regarding the handling of the case.