Court Clears IPOB Leader Of Terrorism Charges, Orders FG To Pay N5 Million In Damages

The Federal High Court in Owerri, Imo State, has cleared Chika Edoziem, the Head of the Directorate of State for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), of all allegations related to terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.

Presiding over the case (Suit No: FHC/OW/FHR/29/2024), Justice I.N. Oweibo ruled that the designation of Edoziem as a wanted criminal by the Minister of Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff was unlawful.

The court also declared that his inclusion in the Ministry of Defence’s First Edition of 2024 list of security threats, published on March 22, was unconstitutional and violated his fundamental right to dignity.

In the ruling, Justice Oweibo ordered the Minister of Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff to retract their declaration labeling Edoziem as a terrorist and publicly apologize to him in two national newspapers.

Additionally, the court awarded Chika Edoziem ₦5 million in damages for the violation of his rights.

Edoziem was the only person among those listed in the publication who successfully challenged his designation in court.

He is regarded as the second-in-command to IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, who remains in detention.

Reacting to the ruling, IPOB’s lead counsel, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, praised the judgment, calling it a “landmark decision” that reinforces the need for due process and fair profiling in security matters.

He emphasized that authorities should focus on identifying actual criminals instead of wrongly accusing individuals.

Ejiofor also expressed appreciation to his legal team and IPOB supporters for their commitment and prayers, stating that the ruling represents a victory for justice.

He said, “Security agencies must focus on proper profiling to identify actual criminals rather than targeting innocent citizens.

“The real perpetrators of crime operate in known locations, and tackling insecurity requires collective responsibility beyond just the security forces.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my dedicated colleagues in Chambers whose relentless efforts made this victory possible.

“Special thanks to Ezigbo Umuchineke for their unwavering support and prayers, whose peaceful conduct has enabled seamless defence in matters affecting genuine and peaceful agitators.

“Above all, I thank Almighty God for His guidance and protection throughout the proceedings. Justice has prevailed.”

KanyiDaily recalls that a Federal High Court in Abuja recently cleared 50 persons accused of being IPOB members and charged with terrorism.