After 4 Years behind bars, last batch of IPOB detainees regain freedom

The Ebonyi State High Court has ordered the release of the last batch of 24 members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who had been in detention since May 24, 2020.

The decision, delivered on Thursday, marks the end of a four-year legal battle over what has been described as an unlawful and unconstitutional detention.

According to court charge sheet No: HIK/10C/2024, the 24 detainees were discharged and acquitted of all charges, bringing to closure the case involving a total of 36 IPOB members initially arrested.

Their release follows multiple earlier rulings in their favour from at least five different high courts in Ebonyi State.

IPOB’s lead counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, confirmed the ruling in a press statement on Thursday, describing it as “a momentous chapter” in the quest for justice.

Ejiofor condemned what he called the recycling of frivolous charges and prolonged incarceration of the detainees, despite repeated acquittals.

“These innocent citizens had endured years of unconstitutional detention under repackaged allegations,” Ejiofor said.

“Today’s historic ruling followed our preliminary objection, which forcefully highlighted the brazen violation of their fundamental rights, particularly the constitutional protection against double jeopardy under Section 36(9) of the 1999 Constitution.”

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In his ruling, Justice I.P. Chima upheld the defence’s arguments, citing the principle of autrefois acquit, which bars the retrial of individuals already acquitted of the same charges.

Ejiofor praised the judge for his “fearless and intellectually sound” decision and thanked God for what he described as “another unprecedented victory.”

He also commended his legal team and acknowledged the cooperation of the Ebonyi State legal team and the correctional service, who assured immediate compliance with the court’s directive.

He called for urgent steps to rehabilitate and compensate the released detainees, noting the personal and emotional toll the four-year incarceration has taken on their families.

“Some wives were abandoned, children lost, and parents buried in sorrow. Now, we look forward to the healing and rebuilding phase.”

“This marks the end of a painful ordeal. Justice has spoken. Freedom is restored. A new chapter begins,” Ejiofor concluded.