By Ihechimerem Nwakanma
A High Court sitting in Umuahia, Abia State
and presided by Hon Justice Chido Nwakanma, has discharged and acquitted three members of the Independent People’s of Biafra(IPOB).
A statement by Ifeanyi Ejiofor, IPOB’s Lead Counsel said: “After a fierce legal battle that lasted nearly three years, the baseless and fabricated charges against Ezigbo UmuChineke have been completely dismantled, resulting in a triumphant outcome!!!
“On February 18, 2021, DAVID ONYEMA, UCHE ADIELE, and VICTOR ISAIAH were unjustly apprehended by overzealous Nigerian security agents in Umuahia, Abia State. They were subsequently brought before the Umuahia High Court, on a FIVE COUNT CHARGE including CONSPIRACY, ARMED ROBBERY, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF FIREARMS, and TERRORISM RELATED OFFENCES, as stipulated by Sections 6(b), 2(2)(a), 2(1) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act CAP R11 Laws of The Federation, 2004, and Section 16(1) and Section 21 of the Terrorism (Prevention Amendment) Act, 2013.
“These innocent men were arrested and subsequently charged on the smokescreen 5-count charge, simply because they passed infront of a Police Station after the curfew in the State; and because one of them was allegedly putting on an IPOB cap and black cloth, and had bottles of drink in his bag.
“Despite our initial application for bail being rejected by the court, which insisted on proceeding with a full trial; we persevered throughout the trial process. The prosecution presented their witnesses to support their case, while we diligently presented a strong defence against these unfounded charges.
“Today, the 24th day of October, 2023, High Court of Justice, sitting in Umuahia, Court No. 6, Per: Hon Justice Chido Nwakanma, delivered a LANDMARK JUDGMENT in this case. The court in its well considered judgment, DISCHARGED AND ACQUITTED, these three innocent Biafrans, who have been in custody since February 18, 2021. They have gone home as free men.”