Four accused over alleged killing of SSS officer plead not guilty in Abuja

The State Security Service has arraigned four suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra over the alleged kidnapping and killing of its officer, Ekpenyong Asuquo Owoh. The defendants—Michael Okafor, Chinedu Chukwudozie, Chibunna Olisa and Chigozie Olisa—appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday. They face a six-count charge involving terrorism and kidnapping.

The prosecution alleged that they conspired to commit terrorist acts and abducted Owoh while he was travelling from Port Harcourt in Rivers State to Awka in Anambra State. According to the News Agency of Nigeria report, the defendants were accused of holding the officer hostage and causing his death during the alleged operation. They were also accused of belonging to IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network.

The prosecution further alleged that the defendants unlawfully possessed firearms, including AK-47 and pump-action rifles, in connection with the alleged offences. The charges followed investigations into the officer’s abduction and death and the suspects’ alleged activities. All four defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read.

Munirat Oladunjoye, appearing for the SSS, asked the court to allow the case to proceed to trial, while defence lawyer Kelvin Ekwe did not oppose the request. The prosecution said it had three witnesses who would testify. Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case until October 6 for the start of trial and ordered that the defendants be remanded in SSS custody.