The Federal High Court 1 in Owerri, Imo State, presided over by Justice I.N. Oweibo, has cleared Chika Edoziem, the Head of the Directorate of State of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), of terrorism-related charges.
In Suit No: FHC/OW/FHR/29/2024, filed by Mazi Chika Edoziem against the Minister of Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff, the court ruled that Edoziem’s designation as a wanted person, terrorist, insurgent, kidnapper, and violent criminal was unlawful and unconstitutional.
Justice Oweibo further ruled that the March 22, 2024, publication by the Ministry of Defence, which listed Edoziem as a security threat, violated his fundamental right to dignity and was carried out in gross disregard of constitutional provisions.
The judgment also mandated the Minister of Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff to retract the declaration and publish an unreserved apology in two national newspapers.
Reacting to the ruling, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, IPOB’s lead counsel, praised the Federal High Court for delivering what he described as a “historic” and “landmark” judgment.
“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,” Ejiofor stated.
He further commended his legal team and IPOB supporters for their steadfastness and peaceful conduct, acknowledging that their dedication played a crucial role in securing justice for Edoziem.
“Above all, I thank Almighty God for His guidance and protection throughout the proceedings. Justice has prevailed,” he concluded.
Edoziem, who holds the second-highest position in IPOB after the detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has long been a key figure in the group’s operations.
