The Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday arraigned four suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) over the alleged kidnapping and killing of its operative, Ekpeyong Asuquo Owoh.

The defendants, Michael Okafor, aka Onyechimeleze; Chinedu Joseph Chukwudozie, alias Kante; Chibunna Olisa; and Chigozie Olisa, aka Ability, were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a six-count charge bordering on terrorism and kidnapping.

The prosecution alleged that the defendants conspired to commit acts of terrorism and abducted Owoh while he was travelling from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Awka, Anambra State.

They were further accused of taking the DSS operative hostage and causing his death during the alleged operation.

The prosecution also alleged that the defendants belonged to IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), and participated in activities linked to terrorism.

They were additionally accused of unlawfully possessing firearms, including AK-47 and pump-action rifles, in connection with the alleged offences.

The charges followed investigations into the circumstances surrounding the abduction and killing of the DSS operative and the alleged activities of the defendants.

However, the four defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to them.

DSS counsel, Munirat Oladunjoye, subsequently asked the court to set a date for trial, telling the court that the prosecution had three witnesses lined up to testify.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the matter until October 6 for trial and ordered that the four defendants be remanded in DSS custody.

Kelvin Ekwe appeared as counsel for the defendants at the arraignment.