Court terrorism IPOB Members
The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, has acquitted and released over 50 individuals accused of belonging to the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and facing terrorism-related charges.
Delivering the ruling on Friday, Justice Omotosho upheld the no-case submission filed by the defendants, concluding that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) failed to present credible evidence linking the accused to the alleged offences. Among the acquitted were four women.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the case, initiated by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, accused the individuals of assembling in Umunze Village, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, on December 12, 2023, purportedly to plan terrorist activities.
The police alleged they were intercepted inside a 911 truck carrying materials, including caps adorned with IPOB emblems, which the prosecution claimed were charmed to grant invisibility during illegal operations.
Justice Omotosho dismissed the three-count charge, citing the prosecution’s failure to substantiate its claims. The judge emphasized that no evidence was provided to prove the defendants’ involvement in terrorism or unlawful activities.
Court terrorism IPOB Members
The dismissed charges had been filed on February 9, 2024, accusing the defendants of actions aimed at intimidating residents of Anambra State, which the police argued violated Section 12 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
This verdict marks a significant legal development in cases involving IPOB members, with the court reiterating the necessity for evidence-based prosecution to uphold justice. The Inspector-General of Police is yet to respond to the judgment.
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