An Ebonyi State High Court sitting in Abakaliki on Thursday discharged and acquitted the final batch of 24 Biafran agitators standing trial for conspiracy and treason, ending a four-year-long legal battle.
Naijaonpoint reports that the judgment, delivered by Justice I. P. Chima, brings to a close the cases of 36 pro-Biafra activists who were arrested and remanded in custody on May 24, 2020. The first set of 12 had been earlier freed in separate rulings.
The freedom fighters, arrested over their alleged involvement in secessionist activities, had been in prison custody since 2020, awaiting trial on charges that defence lawyers say were “recycled and baseless.”
Their release on Thursday followed a preliminary objection filed by the defence team, which argued that the accused were being subjected to double jeopardy, a violation of Section 36(9) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The court upheld the argument that under the legal doctrine of autrefois acquit, no person should be tried again for offences for which they had previously been discharged and acquitted.
Justice Chima, agreeing with the submissions made by the defence counsel, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, ordered the immediate release of the 24 detainees from the correctional centre.
Reacting to the ruling, Ejiofor described the judgment as a triumph of justice and praised Justice Chima for his “boldness, fearlessness, and intellectual clarity.”
He also decried the prolonged incarceration of his clients, many of whom he said had been repeatedly discharged by other courts in Ebonyi State, only to be re-arrested and recharged on similar grounds.
Describing the charges as frivolous and unfounded, the IPOB lead counsel declared: “Today’s historic ruling followed our preliminary objection which powerfully highlighted the brazen violation of their fundamental rights: particularly the constitutionally guaranteed protection against double jeopardy, enshrined under Section 36(9) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). This sacred principle, autrefois acquit, stipulates that no person shall be tried again for an offence in respect of which they have previously been acquitted.
“In a bold, fearless, and intellectually profound ruling, His Lordship, Hon. Justice I. P. Chima, upheld our arguments in their entirety and lent judicial weight to the cause of justice. We salute the learned Judge’s exceptional courage, depth of reasoning, and unwavering commitment to the sanctity of the Constitution. His erudition and moral clarity have restored faith in the judiciary as the last hope of the common man.
“Above all, we return all glory, honour, and adoration to the Most High God -Chukwu Okike Abiama—our eternal rock, fortress, and deliverer. This is another unprecedented victory, made possible only by His mighty hand. We acknowledge that without Him, this milestone would not have been possible.
“In line with the court’s directive for their immediate release, we are taking prompt steps to ensure full compliance without delay. I must also commend my devoted colleagues in chambers, whose tireless research, resilience, and dedication have once again produced this noble triumph. Your efforts are deeply appreciated.
“We are also grateful to the legal team of the Government of Ebonyi State, who, in open court, pledged to ensure this judgment is obeyed to the letter. Similarly, the correctional authorities have undertaken to immediately hand over the freed detainees to us without resistance or delay; a commitment we shall hold them to.
“The joy of Today will ripple far beyond the walls of the courtroom. It will be a thing of immense joy seeing the reunification of these families, some of whose wives had been abandoned, children lost, and parents buried in sorrow during this long period of incarceration. Now, we look forward to the healing and rebuilding phase. We urge the relevant agencies of the Ebonyi State Government to urgently consider appropriate measures for rehabilitation and reparation of these victims, even without prompting.
“Justice delayed but not denied. Today marks the end of a painful four year ordeal. The light of justice has finally pierced through the dark clouds of oppression. Once again, to the Almighty God be all the glory; it can only be Him. With God, we have conquered. Justice has spoken. Freedom is restored. A new chapter begins.”