IPOB Leader Cleared of Terrorism Charges; Court Awards ₦5 Million in Damages

In a landmark decision, the Federal High Court in Owerri, Imo State, presided over by Justice I.N. Oweibo, has exonerated Chika Edoziem, the Head of the Directorate of State for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), from allegations of terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, and violent criminal activities. The court declared the previous designation of Edoziem as a wanted person by the Minister of Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff as illegal and unconstitutional.

The case, identified as Suit No: FHC/OW/FHR/29/2024, centered on a March 22, 2024, publication by the Ministry of Defence that listed Edoziem as a security threat. Justice Oweibo ruled that this publication violated Edoziem's constitutionally guaranteed right to human dignity. Consequently, the court ordered the immediate retraction of the defamatory labels and mandated an unreserved public apology to be published in two national newspapers. Additionally, the court awarded Edoziem ₦5 million in damages for the infringement of his fundamental rights.

Reacting to the judgment, IPOB's lead counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, lauded the ruling as a significant victory against unjust profiling and emphasized the necessity for due process in security matters. He urged security agencies to focus on proper profiling to identify actual criminals rather than targeting innocent citizens. Ejiofor also expressed gratitude to his legal team and supporters for their unwavering commitment throughout the legal proceedings.

This ruling underscores the importance of adhering to constitutional protections and due process, especially in matters concerning security and individual rights.