The Ebonyi State High Court, located in Abakaliki, has exonerated and released 36 Pro-Biafra activists who had been held in custody for a period exceeding four years.
This information was disclosed by Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the chief legal representative for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), during a statement made on Friday in Owerri. Ejiofor highlighted the obstacles encountered in securing the release of the detained individuals.
The 36 detainees, all originating from Ebonyi State, were initially apprehended in 2020 and charged with murder about case No. HAB/29c/2021. Nevertheless, the prosecution failed to present substantial evidence to substantiate the charges. After filing a "No Case Submission," the court dismissed the charges and acquitted the detainees on September 27, 2022.
Despite their discharge and acquittal, the activists were re-apprehended and arraigned once more on Charge No. HAB/43c/2022, which encompassed allegations of illegal possession of firearms, robbery, unlawful association, arson, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, and engaging in warlike activities.
Once again, the prosecution was unable to furnish compelling evidence, prompting another "No Case Submission" by the defense. The court subsequently discharged the activists once more on December 22, 2023.
However, while the second charge was still pending, the prosecution lodged yet another case against the activists under Charge No. HAB/59c/2022, this time accusing them of armed robbery. This action led to the detainees being returned to custody, despite prior court orders.
After the completion of the third trial on September 27, 2024, the court once again upheld the "No Case Submission," resulting in the discharge and acquittal of all 36 detainees for the third time. Despite repeated court orders, correctional officials declined to release them, citing a new charge before the Ikwo High Court. Ejiofor denounced this as an effort to deprive the detainees of their liberty, despite their repeated acquittals.
Ejiofor appealed to Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, urging him to intervene and prevent the continuance of this "mockery of the judicial process." He expressed apprehension that the actions of the state would tarnish its standing in the eyes of the global community.