Court discharges, acquits 50 persons accused of being IPOB members

A Federal High Court in Abuja has discharged and acquitted at least 50 persons alleged to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, of allegations bordering on terrorism.

In a judgment on Friday, Justice James Omotosho, ruled that the Nigerian Police Force failed in its entirety to establish a prima facie case against the 50 defendants, including four women.

The judge, who upheld the no-case submission of the defendants, said that the prosecution failed to adduce any credible evidence linking the defendants with the allegations they were charged for.

Justice Omotosho consequently struck out the three-count charge preferred against the defendants.

Recall that the Inspector-General of Police had, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/8/2024, sued the 50 defendants.

They were alleged to have assembled themselves inside a 911 truck with Reg No. XA-139 BDN, and engaging in a meeting in connection with an act of terrorism.

They were further alleged to have in their custody 48 Black Caps, 25 Red Caps, 6 Orange Colour Caps, as well as IPOB emblems and various charms.

The police further alleged that their gathering was for the purpose of promoting illegality, to terrorise the people of Anambra.

The Police said the offence is contrary and punishable under Section 12 of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Court discharges, acquits 50 persons accused of being IPOB members