A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the release of 50 suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) allegedly involved in terrorism.
Justice James Omotosho on Friday, 29 November, 2024 held that the prosecution failed to provide evidence of their belonging to an unlawful association and involvement in terrorism.
Justice 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.
