Breaking: Court Acquits 50 Alleged IPOB Members of Terrorism Charges

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has acquitted 50 individuals, including four women, accused of being members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and charged with terrorism-related offenses.

In his ruling, Justice Omotosho determined that the Nigerian Police Force failed to establish a prima facie case against the defendants. He upheld the defendants’ no-case submission, stating that the prosecution did not present any credible evidence linking them to the alleged crimes. Consequently, the judge struck out the three-count charge brought against the accused.

The defendants were initially charged under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/8/2024 by the Inspector-General of Police. They were accused of assembling in a 911 truck (Reg No. XA-139 BDN) and participating in a gathering allegedly tied to acts of terrorism. The police claimed that items found in their possession, including caps in IPOB colors and various charms, were meant to promote illegal activities and instill fear in Anambra State.

The allegations were based on the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, but the court found the charges unsupported by evidence, leading to the acquittal of all 50 defendants.