The Ebonyi State High Court has finally released all 36 members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) who had been held in custody for two years in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State.
This release comes after a series of legal battles and unexpected charges brought against them.
Initially accused of murder, the IPOB members pleaded not guilty, and their case proceeded with the prosecution presenting six witnesses.
However, upon submission of a No Case Statement, the court upheld it, resulting in the dismissal of the initial charges (HAB/29c/2021).
The plot thickened when, on the day set for the ruling, the State government surprised the defense with new charges (HAB/43c/2022) related to possession of firearms, unlawful association, arson, breach of peace, warlike activities, and robbery.
Despite this, the court upheld the No Case Submission for the second set of charges but ordered a new charge (HAB/59c/2022) related to murder against the same defendants.
This legal maneuvering and the subsequent court discharge of the accused led to their return to prison due to the pending third charge, scheduled for plea and hearing on January 18, 2024.
The defense lawyer, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, expressed frustration, citing an apparent attempt to hinder the release of these individuals despite their clearance by the court.
Ejiofor emphasized their commitment to pursuing the freedom of these IPOB members, denouncing what he perceives as a manipulation of the judicial system.
He also hinted at disciplinary actions against those involved in what he views as a perversion of justice.
