Twelve members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who had been held in detention since May 24, 2021, were released on Thursday by order of the Ebonyi State High Court, marking a pivotal legal victory for the group after almost four years behind bars.
Their freedom follows a formal withdrawal of charges by the Ebonyi State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), who cited previous judicial rulings as the basis for discontinuing the case.
The development was confirmed by the group’s legal counsel, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, in a statement posted on his official Facebook page. He described the court’s decision as a long-overdue affirmation of justice and a significant step forward in the legal battles surrounding IPOB members.
Ejiofor noted that the withdrawal of the latest charges was a result of persistent legal advocacy and the recognition of prior court judgments that had, in his words, “clearly vindicated” the detained individuals.
Ejiofor’s statement reads: “History was made today, April 10, 2025, at the Ebonyi State High Court, as 12 Biafran inmates – part of a group of 36 held since May 24, 2021 – were finally set free in compliance with successive court orders discharging and acquitting them of all charges.
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“This victory follows a formal application by the Ebonyi State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), who, in acknowledgement of repeated judicial pronouncements, withdrew the latest charge filed against these 12 individuals. It marked a long-overdue respect for the rule of law and a reaffirmation of their innocence, which courts had upheld time and again.
“In line with the court’s directive, I personally ensured the handover of the released individuals, an order promptly complied with by the prison authorities.
“Our legal team remains relentless and fully committed to securing the freedom of the remaining detainees – men who have also been discharged and acquitted by no fewer than four different High Courts in Ebonyi State.
“Their release is no longer a matter of if but when, and that moment draws closer by the day. Justice may be delayed, but it shall not be denied. Freedom must prevail.”
, who had been held in detention since May 24, 2021, were released on Thursday by order of the Ebonyi State High Court, marking a pivotal legal victory for the group after almost four years behind bars.){kind=link}