The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Hon. Justice J.K. Omotosho, on Friday discharged and acquitted 50 individuals identified as pro-Biafrans.
This announcement was made by the legal representative of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, during a media briefing in Owerri, Imo State capital.
Sharing the development, Ejiofor stated, “Please join us in appreciating the Almighty ChukwuOkike Abiama, that he has done it again, today! The Federal High Court of Nigeria, sitting in Abuja, has just discharged and acquitted 50 Biafrans consisting of both young/old men and women, illegally held since the 1st day of December 2023. This calls for not only celebration but a victory dance.”
Ejiofor recounted the circumstances leading to their arrest, explaining: “These innocent citizens were illegally arrested by the overzealous Nigerian security Agents, in Anambra state on the 1st Day of December 2023, while on their way to participate in a burial ceremony; they were afterwards bundled and transported to Abuja, and subsequently charged on a frivolous and unfounded allegation of engaging in terrorism activities and meetings, in Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/8/2024.”
According to Ejiofor, the prosecution presented four witnesses during the trial, after which a no-case submission was filed.
He elaborated: “Hearing was fully conducted, as the prosecution fielded four witnesses in proof of their case. At the end of the prosecution’s case, we filed A No Case submission, for which the court ruled upon today.
“In a well-considered, incisive, profound, and erudite Judgment delivered this morning being the 29th day of November 2024, by an erudite Jurist- His Lordship, Hon. Justice J.K. Omotosho, the court comprehensively upheld our No case submission, and consequently discharged these innocent Biafrans on all the three count charge, and accordingly acquitted them too.”
Ejiofor further highlighted the pro bono nature of the case, emphasizing “This case was done pro bono; we never collected a kobo from any of the defendants’ relatives, neither do we intend to collect a dime from any of them tomorrow.”
He expressed gratitude to his legal team, noting their commitment and dedication,“I cannot complete this note without saying a word of thanks to Bar. Habila Turshak, Bar Chimmuanya Emenari and our indefatigable Head of Chambers, who superintended over all the chambers pre-trial meetings, that grounded this unprecedented victory,” Ejiofor concluded.
