An Ebonyi State High Court in Abakaliki has acquitted 36 pro-Biafra activists who had been held in custody for over four years, as reported by Daily Post. Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the lead attorney for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), shared the news on Friday in Owerri, outlining the challenges faced during the activists’ prolonged detention.
The individuals, all hailing from Ebonyi State, were initially arrested in 2020 and charged with murder under case No. HAB/29c/2021. However, the prosecution struggled to provide sufficient evidence to substantiate the claims. Following the defense’s filing of a “No Case Submission,” the court dismissed the charges, leading to their acquittal on September 27, 2022.
Despite their release, the activists faced re-arrest on new allegations under case No. HAB/43c/2022, which included charges of unlawful possession of firearms, robbery, unlawful assembly, arson, and conduct likely to incite public disorder. Yet again, the prosecution failed to present convincing evidence, resulting in another “No Case Submission” and their discharge on December 22, 2023.
While the second case was still pending, the activists were charged anew under case No. HAB/59c/2022, this time accused of armed robbery, which extended their detention despite previous acquittals. On September 27, 2024, the court concluded the third trial by affirming the “No Case Submission” and acquitting the activists for a third time.
Despite these repeated judicial decisions, prison officials cited a new charge pending before the Ikwo High Court as grounds for continuing their detention. Ejiofor condemned this action, describing it as a violation of the activists’ rights and a mockery of the judicial process. He urged Ebonyi State Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru to step in and prevent further injustices, warning that such actions could damage the state’s international reputation.
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