After spending over four years in detention, the last group of 24 suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) were released on Thursday by the Ebonyi State High Court, bringing closure to a case that began in May 2020.
Court documents confirmed that the 24 individuals were formally discharged and acquitted of all charges in case number HIK/10C/2024. They were part of a larger group of 36 arrested and detained on May 24, 2020.
The development was also confirmed in a statement issued by IPOB’s lead counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, who described the detainees’ ordeal as one marked by “prolonged, unconstitutional detention” based on repeated and repackaged charges.
Ejiofor noted that despite previous acquittals by at least five high courts in Ebonyi State, the group remained in custody until Thursday’s court decision.
“A momentous chapter was written today, Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the Ebonyi State High Court, as the last batch of 24 Biafran detainees, out of a group of 36 unjustly held since May 24, 2020, were finally discharged and acquitted of all lingering frivolous and unfounded charges,” he said.
“These innocent citizens had endured years of prolonged, unconstitutional detention under recycled and repackaged allegations/charges, even after being severally discharged and acquitted on the same facts by not less than five respectable High Courts in Ebonyi State.”
Ejiofor attributed the ruling to a successful preliminary objection that underscored violations of the detainees’ fundamental rights, especially the protection against double jeopardy as outlined in Section 36(9) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
“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…”
“In a bold, fearless, and intellectually profound ruling, His Lordship, Hon. Justice I. P. Chima, upheld our arguments in their entirety and lent judicial weight to the cause of justice.”
The IPOB lawyer praised the judge for his courage, depth of reasoning, and commitment to constitutional values.
“We salute 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 common man.”
“Above all, we return all glory, honour, and adoration to the Most High God – ChukwuOkike Abiama — our eternal rock, fortress, and deliverer…”
Following the court’s directive, Ejiofor confirmed that efforts were underway to ensure full compliance with the release order. He also commended the Ebonyi State Government’s legal team for pledging to honour the ruling.
“We are also grateful to the legal team of the Government of Ebonyi State, who, in open court, pledged to ensure this judgment is obeyed to the letter…”
He described the ruling as a deeply emotional moment for the families of the released detainees, many of whom had endured extreme hardship during the prolonged detention.
“The joy of today will ripple far beyond the walls of the courtroom. It will be a thing of immense joy seeing the reunification of these families…”
“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 rehabilitation and reparation of these victims, even without prompting.”
He concluded by declaring the ruling a spiritual and legal triumph.
“Today marks the end of a painful four-year ordeal. The light of justice has finally pierced through the dark clouds of oppression… Justice has spoken. Freedom is restored. A new chapter begins