The Federal High Court in Owerri, Imo State, has ruled in favour of Mazi Chika Edoziem, a key figure in the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), absolving him of terrorism-related charges and ordering the Federal Government to pay him N5 million in damages.
Presided over by Justice I.N. Oweibo, the court ruled that Edoziem’s designation as a wanted terrorist, insurgent, and violent criminal by the Minister of Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff was illegal and violated his fundamental human rights. The case, filed under Suit No: FHC/OW/FHR/29/2024, challenged the inclusion of Edoziem’s name and photograph in the Ministry of Defence’s First Edition of 2024 as a security threat.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Oweibo stated that the publication, dated March 22, 2024, was unconstitutional and a blatant infringement on Edoziem’s right to dignity. “The designation of the applicant as a wanted person without due process is a violation of his constitutional rights and cannot stand in law,” the judge declared.
As part of the ruling, the court mandated the Minister of Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff to immediately retract the declaration branding Edoziem a terrorist. It also ordered an unreserved public apology to be published in two national newspapers.
Edoziem, who serves as the Head of the Directorate of State of IPOB and is a close associate of the detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, was the only individual among those listed in the controversial government publication who successfully challenged his designation in court.
Reacting to the ruling, IPOB’s lead counsel, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, described the judgment as a “historic victory” against unjust profiling. He praised the court for upholding the principles of justice and due process.
“This judgment is not just about Mazi Chika Edoziem; it is about ensuring that innocent citizens are not wrongly labeled and persecuted,” Ejiofor said. “Security agencies must focus on proper investigations rather than targeting individuals without basis. The real criminals operate in known locations, and tackling insecurity should be a collective effort.”
Ejiofor also extended his gratitude to his legal team, IPOB supporters, and those who stood firm in the pursuit of justice. “I thank Almighty God for His guidance and protection throughout these proceedings. Justice has prevailed,” he added.
The ruling marks another chapter in the legal battles between IPOB and the Nigerian government. The group, which has been agitating for the independence of Biafra, has faced government crackdowns, with its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, currently detained and facing charges of treasonable felony.
The Nigerian government designated IPOB as a terrorist organization in 2017, a move that has been widely contested by human rights groups and international organizations. The latest ruling raises further questions about the legal basis for the government’s actions against IPOB members.
