Court Acquits Five Pro-Biafrans After Nearly A Year In Detention

An Abia State High Court sitting in Umuahia has acquitted five pro-Biafrans who had been detained since their arrest in July 2022.

The judgment, delivered on Thursday by Hon. Justice A.O. Chijioke, ended the prolonged legal battle for the detainees.

The counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Ifeanyi Ejiofor, confirmed the verdict during a press briefing in Owerri. Ejiofor detailed the case, revealing that the five individuals faced charges of conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, and membership in an unlawful society under case number HU/61C/2022.

According to Ejiofor, the prosecution presented three witnesses during the trial. However, the court found insufficient evidence to support the charges and granted the defendants freedom.

Ejiofor praised his legal team, led by Dennison Agu and supported by Chinwe Umeche and other colleagues, for their commitment to securing justice.

“We are deeply gratified by this ruling, which underscores the importance of a fair judicial process,” Ejiofor said. He also reiterated IPOB’s commitment to securing the release of all innocent pro-Biafrans detained across the country.

Ejiofor urged pro-Biafrans to remain peaceful and law-abiding in their pursuit of self-determination, describing it as a legitimate and constitutional right.