The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, November 29, discharged and acquitted 50 individuals accused of being members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and charged with terrorism.
Presiding over the case, Justice James Omotosho ruled that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against the defendants, which included four women. The judge upheld the no-case submission filed by the defendants, stating that the police presented no credible evidence to link them to the allegations.
The inspector-general of police had initiated the case under charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/8/2024, accusing the defendants of holding a meeting in a truck allegedly connected to acts of terrorism. However, the court found the evidence presented to be insufficient, striking out the three-count charge brought against the accused.
Justice Omotosho’s ruling emphasized the importance of credible evidence in prosecuting criminal cases, declaring that the police’s failure to substantiate their claims warranted the defendants’ acquittal.
This judgment highlights the judiciary’s role in safeguarding the rights of individuals against unsubstantiated accusations, delivering a significant blow to the prosecution’s case.
