Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The Ebonyi State High Court has discharged and acquitted 24 Biafran detainees—out of 36 arrested and held since May 24, 2020—of all lingering charges.
Delivering the ruling, Hon. Justice I.P. Chima declared the accused persons innocent of all allegations brought against them.
Reacting to the judgment, lead counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Esq. (KSC), described the verdict as bold, fearless, and intellectually sound. He commended Justice Chima for affirming their legal arguments in totality and for reinforcing the judiciary’s position as the last hope of the common man.
“Justice was delayed, but never denied,” Ejiofor stated.
“His Lordship has demonstrated that the judiciary remains the beacon of hope for the oppressed.”
Ejiofor noted that Thursday, July 17, 2025, would be remembered as a historic turning point in Ebonyi State. According to him, the 24 detainees had suffered prolonged and unconstitutional detention for four years, despite multiple rulings by at least five different High Courts in the state acquitting them on the same charges.
He said the court’s latest ruling followed a preliminary objection filed by the defense, which exposed the flagrant violation of the detainees’ constitutional rights—particularly the protection against double jeopardy under Section 36(9) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The principle of autrefois acquit, he explained, forbids retrying a person for an offence for which they have already been acquitted.
“This judgment is a powerful reaffirmation of constitutional order,” Ejiofor said.
“We salute the learned judge’s courage, depth of reasoning, and unwavering commitment to justice. His erudition and moral clarity have rekindled faith in our judiciary.”
Giving glory to God, Ejiofor declared, “All honour and adoration belong to the Most High God, Chukwu Okike Abiama—our eternal rock, fortress, and deliverer. This victory was only made possible by His mighty hand.”
He confirmed that, following the court’s directive for immediate release, efforts were underway to ensure full compliance without delay. He also praised his legal team for their tireless efforts and extended appreciation to the legal representatives of the Ebonyi State Government for pledging in open court to enforce the judgment fully.
Ejiofor further disclosed that the Nigerian Correctional Service had already acted on the judgment by releasing the detainees without delay or resistance.
“We will hold them to this commitment,” he assured.
“The joy of today extends far beyond the courtroom. It will be profoundly moving to witness the reunification of families—wives who had been abandoned, children left in confusion, and parents buried in sorrow during these long years of incarceration. Now begins the healing and rebuilding.”
He urged the Ebonyi State Government to urgently consider rehabilitation and reparation measures for the released detainees.
“Today marks the end of a painful four-year ordeal. The light of justice has finally pierced the dark clouds of oppression. Once again, to 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.”
Meanwhile, Ejiofor confirmed that the Ebonyi State Correctional Service has complied fully with the court order. With heads held high and hearts filled with joy, the 24 acquitted Biafrans walked out of the correctional facility in victory—singing songs of praise and offering heartfelt thanksgiving to the Almighty, whom Ejiofor described as “the ultimate Defender of the oppressed, who in His perfect timing, has brought this season of sorrow to a glorious end.”
