A High Court in Ebonyi State has released 24 supporters of the Biafran cause who had been held in detention since May 24, 2020, over charges of conspiracy and treason. Justice I.P. Chima, who presided over the case, ruled that the detainees could not be tried again on the same charges for which they had previously been acquitted by other courts.
The court upheld a preliminary objection raised by their defence team, which cited Section 36(9) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution. This section bars anyone from facing trial more than once for the same offence—a legal protection known as double jeopardy.
Justice Chima declared that keeping the accused in detention after multiple acquittals was unlawful. He immediately ordered their release, describing the prolonged imprisonment as a violation of their constitutional rights.
The lead counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, hailed the ruling as a major victory. According to him, the 24 individuals had faced “recycled and repackaged” accusations, despite being cleared by at least five different High Courts in Ebonyi State.
Ejiofor praised the judgment as bold and intellectually sound, expressing renewed confidence in the judiciary. He also acknowledged the cooperation of the state’s legal team and correctional officials in ensuring the court’s order is followed.
He urged the state government to consider offering rehabilitation and compensation to the freed individuals, noting the heavy emotional and financial burden their families had endured throughout the four-year period.
Ejiofor described the judgment as the end of a painful chapter and a long-overdue victory for justice. The case had attracted widespread attention from civil rights advocates and human rights groups who had raised concerns over the prolonged detention and repeated prosecution of the same individuals.
