An Abuja court has freed 50 individuals, including four women, who were detained on allegations of being members of the proscribed IPOB. The decision brings relief to the accused and their families.
On Friday, a Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed charges against at least 50 individuals accused of being members of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), thereby clearing them of terrorism-related allegations.
In his judgment, Justice James Omotosho ruled that the Nigerian Police Force completely failed to establish a prima facie case against all 50 defendants, which included four women.
Justice Omotosho, who accepted the defendants’ no-case submission, stated that the prosecution did not provide any credible evidence connecting the defendants to the charges against them.
As a result, the judge dismissed the three-count charge brought against the defendants.
It has been reported that the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, in case number FHC/ABJ/CR/8/2024, filed a lawsuit against the 50 defendants.
They were accused of gathering inside a 911 truck with the registration number XA-139 BDN to hold a meeting related to an act of terrorism.
They were reportedly in possession of 48 Black Caps, 25 Red Caps, and 6 Orange Colored Caps, all featuring the IPOB emblem along with various charms.
The police also claimed that the group’s assembly aimed to encourage illegal activities in order to instill fear among the people of Anambra.
The police stated that the offense violates and is subject to penalties under Section 12 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
