At least 50 persons alleged to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, have been discharged and acquitted by the Federal High Court Abuja of allegations bordering on terrorism.
This was contained in a judgment delivered on Friday, by Justice James Omotosho, of the Federal High Court Abuja.
Delivering the ruling, Omotosho stated that the Nigerian Police Force, NPF, failed in its entirety to establish a prima facie case against the 50 defendants, including four women.
The judge, who also 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.
As a consequent, Justice Omotosho 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 for terrorism.
They were alleged to have assembled themselves inside a 911 truck with Reg No. XA-139 BDN. And also engaged in a meeting in connection with an act of terrorism.
The suspects were further alleged to have in their custody 48 Black Caps and 25 Red Caps. They also had 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. And to terrorize the people of Anambra State.
According to the Police, the offence is contrary and punishable under Section 12 of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
source: Daily Post
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