Department of State Services has arraigned four suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra over their alleged involvement in the abduction and killing of one of its operatives, Ekpeyong Asuquo Owoh.

The defendants; Michael Okafor, also known as Onyechimeleze; Chinedu Chukwudozie, alias Kante; Chibunna Olisa; and Chigozie Olisa, also known as Ability, were arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

They were brought before the court on a six-count charge bordering on terrorism, kidnapping and other related offences.

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

According to the prosecution, the suspects allegedly took the DSS operative hostage and caused his death during the operation.

The defendants were also accused of belonging to IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, and participating in activities allegedly connected with terrorism.

The prosecution further alleged that the defendants were involved in the unlawful possession of firearms, including AK-47 and pump-action rifles, in connection with the alleged offences.

The charges followed investigations into the circumstances surrounding the alleged abduction and killing of Owoh, as well as the activities allegedly linked to the defendants.

When the charges were read to them, all four defendants pleaded not guilty.

Counsel to the DSS, Munirat Oladunjoye, applied for the commencement of trial, while counsel to the defendants, Kelvin Ekwe, did not oppose the application.

Oladunjoye told the court that the prosecution had three witnesses who would testify during the trial.

Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the case until October 6 for commencement of trial and ordered that the four defendants be remanded in DSS custody.

The allegations against the defendants remain subject to proof before the court.