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Court Discharges, Acquits 50 South-Easterners Illegally Detained Since December 2023 For Alleged Terrorism

Court Discharges, Acquits 50 South-Easterners Illegally Detained Since December 2023 For Alleged Terrorism
December 19, 2024

The freed individuals were unjustly arrested by the Nigerian security agents in Anambra State on December 1, 2023, while on their way to attend a burial ceremony. 

The Federal High Court of Nigeria, sitting in Abuja, has discharged and acquitted 50 South-Easterners, including men and women of various ages, who had been “illegally” detained since December 1, 2023. 

 

The freed individuals were unjustly arrested by the Nigerian security agents in Anambra State on December 1, 2023, while on their way to attend a burial ceremony. 

 

They were later transported to Abuja and falsely charged with terrorism-related offenses under Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/8/2024.

 

The trial proceeded with the prosecution presenting four witnesses to support their case. 

 

After the prosecution's case was concluded, we filed a "No Case" submission, which the court ruled on November 29.

 

In the judgment delivered by Justice J.K. Omotosho, the court upheld the defendants’ legal team led by Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor’s "No Case" submission and consequently discharged and acquitted the accused defendants from South-East (Igbos) on all three counts. 

 

Reacting to the judgment, Ejiofor said, “This ruling is not only cause for celebration but also calls for a victory dance. I would like to emphasize that this case was handled pro bono. 

 

“We did not receive a single penny from any of the defendants' relatives, nor do we intend to in the future.

 

“We are deeply grateful to God Almighty for His endless blessings and grace upon our lives.

 

“I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to my learned colleagues in chambers who worked diligently alongside me in defending these individuals and who stood in for me when necessary.”

 

He added, “I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the good people of God and our unwavering supporters. Your prayers have been a source of strength and have made a meaningful impact.

 

“We will continue our legal efforts to secure the freedom of all innocent Biafrans and other oppressed individuals being unlawfully detained in various facilities across the country. 

 

“We encourage our people to remain law-abiding, as they always have, and to reject any ideology that promotes violence, as such an approach can never lead to the prosperity of any cause rooted in the pursuit of freedom.”

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Legal