At least fifty people who were allegedly members of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra, or IPOB, were cleared of charges that bordered on terrorism by an Abuja Federal High Court.
Justice James Omotosho declared in a ruling on Friday that the Nigerian Police Force had not shown a prima facie case against all 50 defendants, including four women.
According to the judge, who upheld the defendants’ no-case submission, the prosecution was unable to present any reliable evidence that would have connected the defendants to the charges against them.
As a result, Justice Omotosho dismissed the three-count accusation that was brought against the defendants.
Recall that the 50 defendants were sued by the Inspector-General of Police in the charge designated FHC/ABJ/CR/8/2024.
According to the allegations, they met in conjunction with a terrorist attack while assembling inside a 911 truck registered under the license plate XA-139 BDN.
Along with IPOB symbols and other charms, they were also accused of possessing 48 Black Caps, 25 Red Caps, and 6 Orange Color Caps.
The police also claimed that they were there to terrorize the people of Anambra and to encourage unlawful activity.
According to the police, the offense is against the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022 and is punishable under Section 12.
