The final group of 24 members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, who had been detained since 24 May 2020, were released from custody on Thursday following a ruling by the Ebonyi State High Court.
According to the court charge sheet no. HIK/10C/2024, obtained by our correspondent on Thursday, the 24 detainees, part of a larger group of 36 held since 24 May 2020, were ultimately discharged and acquitted of all outstanding charges.
Their release was also confirmed in a press statement on Thursday by the IPOB’s lead counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, who revealed that the freed individuals had endured years of prolonged, unconstitutional detention under recycled and repackaged allegations.
Ejiofor stated that they were held “unlawfully” even after being repeatedly discharged and acquitted on the same grounds by five reputable high courts in Ebonyi State.
He remarked, “A momentous chapter was written today, Thursday, 17 July 2025, at the Ebonyi State High Court, as the last group of 24 Biafran detainees, out of a total of 36 unjustly held since 24 May 2020, were finally discharged and acquitted of all lingering frivolous and unfounded charges.
“These innocent citizens have suffered years of prolonged, unconstitutional detention under recycled and repackaged allegations, even after being repeatedly discharged and acquitted on the same grounds by no fewer than five reputable High Courts in Ebonyi State.
“Today’s historic ruling followed our preliminary objection, which powerfully highlighted the brazen violation of their fundamental rights, particularly the constitutionally guaranteed protection against double jeopardy, enshrined under Section 36(9) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
“This sacred principle, autrefois acquit, stipulates that no person shall be tried again for an offence in respect of which they have previously been acquitted.
“In a bold, fearless, and intellectually profound ruling, His Lordship, Hon. Justice I. P. Chima, upheld our arguments and lent judicial weight to the cause of justice.
“We commend the learned Judge’s exceptional courage, depth of reasoning, and unwavering commitment to the sanctity of the Constitution. His erudition and moral clarity have restored faith in the judiciary as the last hope of the commoner.
“Above all, we return all glory, honour, and adoration to the Most High God – ChukwuOkike Abiama—our eternal rock, fortress, and deliverer. This is another unprecedented victory, made possible only by His mighty hand. We recognise that this milestone would not have been achievable without Him.”
Ejiofor further stated that, in line with the court’s directive for their immediate release, prompt steps are being taken to ensure full compliance without delay.
He praised his colleagues in chambers for their tireless research, resilience, and dedication, which again led to this noble triumph.
“We are also thankful to the legal team of the Government of Ebonyi State, which, in open court, pledged to ensure this judgment is obeyed to the letter. Similarly, the correctional authorities have committed to immediately hand over the freed detainees to us without resistance or delay; a commitment we shall hold them to.
“The joy of today will resonate far beyond the courtroom walls. It will be an immense source of pleasure to witness the reunification of these families, some of whose wives had been abandoned, children lost, and parents buried in sorrow during this long period of incarceration.
“Now, we look forward to the healing and rebuilding phase. We urge the relevant agencies of the Ebonyi State Government to urgently consider appropriate measures for rehabilitating and recompensating these victims, even without prompting.
“Today marks the end of a painful four-year ordeal. The light of justice has finally pierced through the dark clouds of oppression. Once again, to the Almighty God be all the glory; it can only be Him. With God, we have triumphed. Justice has spoken. Freedom is restored. A new chapter begins.”
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