EXPOSED: DSS “TERRORISM TRIAL” IS COVER FOR UNDERCOVER PRISON INFILTRATION — IPOB

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has distanced itself from a retired Department of State Services (DSS) operative, Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, who was recently arraigned and remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre over alleged links to the group.
In a statement issued on Friday by IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful, the group said it had no knowledge of Ezeakolam and rejected claims that he was a member, officer, representative, or operative within its command structure.

According to IPOB, any allegations against the retired DSS officer remain matters between him and his former employers, insisting that the organisation should not be dragged into what it described as “every DSS propaganda operation.”
The group noted that the DSS accused Ezeakolam of providing “moral assistance,” sharing materials supportive of IPOB, and advancing the group’s cause. However, IPOB stressed that the suspect pleaded not guilty to the charges and had not been convicted by any court of law.

It further argued that no evidence linking the retired officer to the organisation had been tested during trial and criticised sections of the media for allegedly portraying the allegations as established facts.
IPOB challenged the DSS to publicly produce evidence supporting its claims, including details of when and where Ezeakolam allegedly joined the organisation, who recruited him, the command structure he belonged to, and any leadership figures with whom he interacted.

“Membership is not established merely because the DSS writes ‘IPOB’ on a charge sheet,” the statement said.

Questions Over Kuje Remand
The group also questioned the circumstances surrounding the retired operative’s remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre, describing the development as suspicious.

According to IPOB, the combination of a former DSS operative being prosecuted by the same agency and detained in Kuje raises concerns that deserve scrutiny.
While stating that it possessed no evidence proving any ulterior motive, IPOB said the situation warranted vigilance and called for transparency regarding the decision to remand the retired intelligence officer at the correctional facility.
The organisation also warned that it would treat with suspicion any attempt by individuals, whether serving or retired security operatives, to falsely present themselves as members of IPOB.

Criticism of Media Coverage
IPOB accused sections of the Nigerian media of amplifying security agency narratives without independent verification.
The group argued that an allegation or arraignment should not be interpreted as proof of guilt or organisational membership, urging journalists to distinguish between accusations and established facts.

Reference to Enugu Church Attack
The statement also referenced the recent abduction of worshippers, including a seminarian, during a church service at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Inoyi, Affa, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.
IPOB questioned what it described as the disparity in public attention between the church attack and the allegations against the retired DSS officer, urging the media to focus more on violent crimes affecting ordinary Nigerians.

IPOB Restates Position
Reaffirming its stance, IPOB maintained that Ezeakolam does not represent the organisation and has never been authorised to act on its behalf.
The group called for independent verification of the retired officer’s identity and background, transparency regarding the circumstances of his detention, and evidence to support any alleged connection to IPOB.
It concluded by reiterating its support for its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, while urging authorities to refrain from linking the organisation to individuals without verifiable evidence.