By Chuks Eke
Following the voluntary withdrawal of various charges preferred against Biafran seperatists, by the prosecution in Ebonyi state, 12 accused persons standing trial for treasonable felony have been discharged and acquitted, barely four years after their arrest and detention for Biafra agitation.
The accused persons who were part of a group of 36 agitators remanded in the prison custody since May 24, 2021, were on Thursday, April 10 set free for want of evidence and in compliance with successive court orders which had earlier discharged and acquitted them of all the charges.
When the case was called up, Ebonyi State Director of Public Prosecution, DPP acknowledged the repeated Judicial pronouncements which led to the withdrawal of the latest charges against the accused persons.
Commenting on the development, leading counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPoB, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor Esq. KSC, described their discharge and acquittal as a mark of long overdue respect for rule of law, as well as a mark of reaffirmation of their innocence which courts had upheld from time to time.
According to Ejiofor, “History has been made today, April 10, 2025 as freedom long denied has finally been restored, adding, 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 definitely it shall not be denied. Freedom must prevail at last”.
