The immediate past lead counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has described the discharge of 50 suspected members of the pro-Biafra group by an Abuja Federal High Court as a ‘Christmas gift’.
Ejiofor was reacting to a ruling of the Abuja Federal High Court that discharged and acquitted 50 alleged members of IPOB.
Recall that the 50 alleged IPOB members were arrested by Nigerian security agents in Anambra State on the 1st December 2023, while on their way to participate in a burial ceremony.
They were afterwards bundled and transported to Abuja, and subsequently charged with terrorism.
Reacting to the discharge of the suspects, Ejiofor described the ruling as a Christmas victory gift.
Posting on X, Ejiofor wrote: “What an awesome Christmas Victory/Gift- Please Ezigbo Umuchineke join us in appreciating the Almighty ChukwuOkike Abiama, that He has done it again, today!
“The Federal High Court of Nigeria, sitting in Abuja, has just discharged and acquitted 50 Biafrans consisting of both young/old men and women, illegally held since the 1st day of December 2023. This calls for not only celebration but a victory dance.
“At the end of the prosecution’s case, we filed A No Case submission, for which the court ruled upon today.
“In a well considered, incisive, profound and erudite Judgment delivered this morning being the 29th day of November 2024, by an erudite Jurist- His Lordship, Hon . Justice J.K. Omotosho, the court comprehensively upheld our No case submission, and consequently discharged these innocent Biafrans on all the three count charge, and accordingly acquitted them too.
“I want to use this opportunity to state that this case was done pro bono; we never collected a kobo from any of the defendants’ relatives, neither do we intend to collect a dime from any of them tomorrow.
“We shall continue to appreciate God Almighty for His infinite blessings and Grace upon our lives.
“May I most profoundly appreciate the efforts of my erudite colleagues in chambers who diligently prosecuted this defence along with me , and who had effectively stood in for me when the occasion demands. I cannot complete this note without saying a word of thanks to Bar. Habila Turshak, Bar Chimmuanya Emenari and our indefatigable Head of Chambers, who superintended over all the chambers pre-trial meetings, that grounded this unprecedented victory.
“To Him alone shall all the glory and adoration be ascribed unto. May His Name be forever praised.
“May I also use this opportunity to appreciate all Ezigbo UMUCHINEKE and our indefatigable supporters, for always being there for us. Your prayers are impacting.
“We shall continue to legally intervene to secure the freedom of all innocent Biafrans, and the oppressed who are being held illegally in various detention facilities across the states.
“We further admonish our people to continue to remain law abiding, as they have always been; jettison any teachings that promotes violence, as it can never prosper any ideology anchored on a quest for freedom.”
‘Christmas gift’: Nnamdi Kanu’s ex-lawyer reacts to discharge of 50 suspected IPOB members
