20th December 2024, NewsOrient, News, Law And Society
From Ferdinand Okor Editor-At-Large

Five members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have been discharged and acquitted by an Abia State High Court in Umuahia, sending jubilation to the camp of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

They were said to have been arrested on July 20 2022 and subsequently charged before the court in Charge No: HU/61C/2022.

A statement by IPOB lead counsel and human rights activist, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, described it as “Christmas Gift.”

He said, “These innocent Biafrans were arraigned on a three count charge of conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearm, and membership of an unlawful society. Trial in the charge commenced, and the prosecution called a total of three witnesses.

“Today, December 19 2024, the Court per Hon. Justice A.O. Chijioke, while ruling on our application, discharged and consequently acquitted these innocent Biafrans, of all counts of the charge…

“We reiterate and reassure Biafrans, that we shall not rest on our oars in ensuring that all innocent Biafrans languishing in different detention facilities across the country, regain their freedom. We only urge you, as you’ve always been, to remain peaceful and law abiding in your legitimate and constitutional quest for self determination. Compliments of the season.
Even as we continue moving forward!”

Profile International Human Rights Advocate Reacts

Reacting to the court verdict, Daniel Okonkwo of Profile International Human Rights Advocate says it should inspire renewed faith in the pursuit of justice and defence of human rights.

He said, “Freedom is never dear at any price. It is the breath of life. What would a man not pay for living?

“In a tremendous ruling that incorporates the essence of justice and the rule of law, the Abia State High Court in Umuahia has discharged and acquitted five Biafrans who had been detained since their arrest on July 20, 2022. These individuals, who faced charges of conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, and membership of an unlawful society under Charge No: HU/61C/2022, were cleared of all allegations by the court.

“Presiding over the case, Honorable Justice A.O. Chijioke delivered a judgment hailed as a conquest of fairness and the rule of law. The ruling followed the prosecution’s presentation of three witnesses, whose arguments were systematically dismantled by the defence team…”

“The case reinforces a universal principle: “True freedom requires the rule of law and justice and a judicial system in which the rights of some are not secured by the denial of rights to others…”

“This is an incredible victory and a heliograph of hope for justice and fairness in the fight for the freedom of innocent detainees,” remarked Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor in a heartfelt statement following the ruling.

Ejiofor also stated that the team “will not rest on our oars in ensuring that justice prevails for all innocent detainees. We urge all Biafrans to remain peaceful and law-abiding as they pursue their legitimate and constitutional quest for self-determination…

“As we celebrate this victory, it is clear that the ruling is not just a triumph for the acquitted but a sign of hope for countless others still fighting for justice,” he said.

~ NewsOrient

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