Four years after living behind bars, 12 members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have been granted freedom by an Ebonyi State High Court.
The 12 men were part of 36 said to have been held since May 24, 2021, but finally set free in compliance with successive court orders discharging and acquitting them of all charges.
The Lead Counsel to IPOB, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, said their freedom followed a formal application by the Ebonyi State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).
He said, “12 Biafran Inmates Regain Freedom After Nearly Four Years In Detention: Freedom Long Denied, Finally Restored!!!
“History has been made on April 10, 2025, at the Ebonyi State High Court, as 12 Biafran inmates – part of a group of 36 held since May 24, 2021 – were finally set free in compliance with successive court orders discharging and acquitting them of all charges.
“This victory follows a formal application by the Ebonyi State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), who, in acknowledgement of repeated judicial pronouncements, withdrew the latest charge filed against these 12 individuals.
“It marked a long-overdue respect for the rule of law and a reaffirmation of their innocence, which courts had upheld time and again. In line with the court’s directive, I personally ensured the handover of the released individuals, an order promptly complied with by the prison authorities.
“Our legal team remains relentless and fully committed to securing the freedom of the remaining detainees – men who have also been discharged and acquitted by no fewer than four different High Courts in Ebonyi State.
“Their release is no longer a matter of if but when, and that moment draws closer by the day. Justice may be delayed, but it shall not be denied.
Freedom must prevail.”
