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 before an Abuja Federal High Court over alleged links to the group.
Ezeakolam was arraigned before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar on a four-count charge bordering on allegedly providing support and material assistance to IPOB, an offence said to be punishable under Section 13 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.
Reacting to the development, IPOB, through its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, said the group does not know Ezeakolam and that he has never held any position within its structure.
The group accused the DSS of attempting to associate IPOB with individuals without evidence, urging the agency to prove claims that the retired operative is a member of the organisation.
“IPOB does not know this man. He is not an IPOB officer, operative, representative or agent known to our command structure,” the statement said.
IPOB questioned the basis for linking Ezeakolam to the group, demanding details on when he allegedly joined, who recruited him, his supposed command structure, and the role he played.
The pro-Biafra group also expressed suspicion over Ezeakolam’s remand at Kuje Correctional Centre, alleging that his background as a former DSS operative and his prosecution by the same agency raised concerns.
According to IPOB, custodial facilities could be used for intelligence gathering, adding that the circumstances surrounding the case required closer scrutiny.
“Is this a genuine prosecution, or is the alleged IPOB connection being used as cover to place an intelligence asset or informant inside Kuje?” the group asked.
However, IPOB stated that it was not claiming to have evidence proving such allegations but insisted that the situation warranted vigilance.
The group warned the DSS and the Nigerian Correctional Service against allowing anyone to falsely claim association with IPOB for the purpose of infiltrating or compromising people in custody.
IPOB further alleged that whenever issues favourable to its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, or the group gain attention, “another convenient IPOB story emerges,” describing such claims as a repeated pattern.
The group also criticised what it described as inadequate attention to the recent abduction of worshippers at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Inoyi, Affa, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.
IPOB maintained that Ezeakolam has no connection with the organisation and urged authorities to provide evidence rather than rely on allegations.
It called for transparency regarding the circumstances of his arrest and remand, insisting that any alleged relationship between the retired DSS operative and IPOB should be established through the courts.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.