Court Acquits IPOB Leader of Terrorism Charges, Orders FG to Pay ₦5m Compensation

• The Federal High Court cleared IPOB’s Chika Edoziem of terrorism charges, deeming his labeling as a security threat illegal and unconstitutional

• The court awarded Edoziem ₦5 million in damages and ordered the Ministry of Defence to retract its statement and issue an apology

The Federal High Court 1 in Owerri, Imo State, presided over by Justice I.N. Oweibo, has cleared Chika Edoziem, the Head of the Directorate of State of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), of all terrorism-related charges.

In Suit No: FHC/OW/FHR/29/2024, filed by Mazi Chika Edoziem against the Minister of Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff, the court ruled that branding him a wanted person, terrorist, insurgent, kidnapper, and violent criminal was illegal and unconstitutional.

Justice Oweibo also declared that the Ministry of Defence’s publication on March 22, 2024, listing Edoziem as a security threat violated his fundamental right to dignity and disregarded constitutional provisions.

The court further ordered the Minister of Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff to retract the statement and issue an unreserved apology in two national newspapers.

Additionally, the court awarded ₦5 million in damages to Edoziem for violating his fundamental rights. Among those named in the publication, he was the only one to challenge the designation in court successfully.

Reacting to the ruling, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, IPOB’s lead counsel, praised the Federal High Court for what he described as a “historic” and “landmark” judgment.

“Security agencies must focus on proper profiling to identify actual criminals rather than targeting innocent citizens. The real perpetrators of crime operate in known locations, and tackling insecurity requires collective responsibility beyond just the security forces,” Ejiofor stated.

He commended his legal team and IPOB supporters for their dedication and peaceful conduct, emphasizing that their efforts were crucial in securing justice for Edoziem.

“Above all, I thank Almighty God for His guidance and protection throughout the proceedings. Justice has prevailed,” he concluded.

Edoziem, who holds the second-highest position in IPOB after the detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, remains a key figure in the group’s operations.