Justice Looms: Four Suspects Arraigned for Brutal DSS Officer Killing in Anambra
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned four alleged members of the proscribed IPOB group on terrorism and kidnapping charges. This follows the abduction and killing of DSS officer Ekpeyong Asuquo Owoh in Anambra State in 2022. The prosecution also alleges unlawful possession of firearms by the defendants, with the DSS committed to ensuring justice.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has formally arraigned four suspected members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) group before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
These individuals face a six-count charge encompassing terrorism and the kidnapping and killing of a DSS officer, Ekpeyong Asuquo Owoh.
The defendants named in the arraignment are Michael Okafor, also known as Onyechimeleze; Chinedu Joseph Chukwudozie, alias Kante; Chibunna Olisa; and Chigozie Olisa, known as Ability.
The prosecution asserts that these individuals conspired to commit acts of terrorism and were directly involved in the abduction of Owoh, a DSS operative, during his travel from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Awka, Anambra State.
According to security sources and the charges, Owoh disappeared on February 23, 2022, along Orlu Road in Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State.
He was en route to Awka town in a silver-colored Pontiac vibe when he was allegedly taken hostage by the suspects. The prosecution further accuses the defendants of causing Owoh's death during the course of this alleged criminal operation.
Beyond the primary charges of terrorism and kidnapping leading to death, the defendants are also accused of being members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), and of engaging in other activities linked to terrorism.
Additionally, the prosecution alleges that the suspects were found in unlawful possession of firearms, specificallyAK-47 and pump-action rifles, in connection with these alleged offences.
These charges stem from thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding the abduction and killing of the DSS operative and the broader alleged activities of the defendants.
A source within the DSS stated that the agency continues to intensify its intelligence-led operations and prosecution of individuals suspected of involvement in terrorism, kidnapping, and other violent crimes across the country, expressing hope that justice will prevail in this significant case involving its personnel.