Court Strikes Out Terrorism Charges Against 50 Suspected IPOB Members

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has acquitted and released over 50 individuals accused of being members of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on charges related to terrorism.

In his ruling on Friday, Justice Omotosho determined that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) did not successfully present a case against the 50 defendants, which included four women.

The judge supported the defendants’ no-case submission, stating that the prosecution failed to provide any credible evidence linking the accused to the charges brought against them.

As a result, the judge dismissed the three-count charge filed against the defendants.

It is worth noting that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, initiated the case against the 50 individuals.

The charges, dated January 10 and filed on February 9, claimed that on or around December 12, 2023, in Umunze Village, Uga Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra, the defendants were intercepted and arrested by officers of the Nigeria Police Force, Anambra State Command, led by Collins Eruogwu, along with a local vigilante group.

They were accused of gathering inside a 911 truck with registration number XA-139 BDN to discuss matters related to terrorism.

Additionally, it was claimed that they were found in possession of 48 black caps, 25 red caps, and six orange caps, all adorned with the IPOB emblem and infused with varying levels of charms, which they acknowledged possessed the spiritual ability to render them invisible during their illicit activities.

The police further asserted that their assembly aimed to foster unlawful actions intended to intimidate the residents of Anambra State, thereby constituting an offence that is both contrary to and punishable under Section 12 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.