Rights group reacts as court discharges, acquits five IPOB members
By Emma Ogbuehi
An international human rights group, Profile International Human Rights Advocate, on Thursday, hailed the discharge and acquittal of some members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), saying it should inspire renewed faith in the pursuit of justice and defence of human rights.
Five IPOB members were 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.
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“We deeply appreciate the hard work and dexterity of Dennison Agu, our head of chambers Chinwe Umeche and our other colleagues in chambers, who worked assiduously to secure this latest victory.
“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!”
Reacting to the court verdict, Daniel Okonkwo of the Profile International Human Rights Advocate 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 defense team’s meticulous legal strategy and expertise.
“This acquittal serves as a colossal exemplification of the steadfast dedication, professionalism, and strength of the character of Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Esq. (KSC), and his formidable legal team. Comprising Dennison Agu, and Head of Chambers Chinwe Umeche, the defense team demonstrated unique precision and commitment to ensuring justice for their clients. Their collaborative efforts have once again shone a heliograph of hope for the pursuit of justice for the wrongfully accused.
“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.’ Through their success in securing the acquittal of these innocent individuals, the defense team has not only protected the rights of their clients but has also upheld the core values of justice and human rights advocacy.”
“This is an incredible victory and a heliograph of hope for justice and fairness in the fight for the freedom of innocent detainees,” Ejiofor further remarked in his statement.
He reassured the public of his team’s continued dedication to ensuring the release of all innocent Biafrans detained across Nigeria.
“We deeply appreciate the hard work and dexterity of our legal team,” Ejiofor stated.
“We 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.”
