Ebonyi Court Frees Final Batch of Biafran Activists After Four-Year Trial

An Ebonyi State High Court on Thursday, July 17, discharged and acquitted the remaining 24 Biafran freedom fighters who had been facing charges of conspiracy and treason since their arrest on May 24, 2020.

Justice I.P. Chima upheld a preliminary objection raised by the defence, which argued that the defendants had previously been cleared of similar charges by other courts and could not be retried on the same grounds.

The objection was based on Section 36(9) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which prohibits double jeopardy — the legal concept that a person cannot be tried again for a crime they have already been acquitted of.

In his ruling, Justice Chima ordered the immediate release of the 24 detainees, declaring their prolonged imprisonment unconstitutional.

Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, lead counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), praised the decision, calling it a significant legal victory. “These innocent citizens were held under recycled and repackaged allegations despite being acquitted by no fewer than five different High Courts in Ebonyi State,” he said.

Ejiofor also urged the state government to offer compensation and rehabilitation to the released individuals, highlighting the emotional and financial hardships endured by their families.

“Justice was delayed but not denied. Today ends a painful four-year ordeal. The light of justice has finally pierced the clouds of oppression,” he added.