From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
There was jubilation in the South East yesterday following the release of 12 Biafrans self determination agitators who had been in detention since May 24, 2021.
The release followed series of Court orders that discharged and acquitted them of all charges. However, 24 others are still being detained.
Ifeanyi Ejiofor, lead counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), described the release as historic.
In a statement yesterday, he expressed delight over the development and noted that,” while justice may be delayed, it cannot be denied, asserting that freedom will ultimately prevail.
“History was made today, April 10, 2025, at the Ebonyi State High Court, as 12 Biafran inmates, part of a group of 36 held since May 24, 2021, were finally set free in compliance with successive court orders discharging and acquitting them of all charges.
“This victory comes after a formal application by the Ebonyi State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), who, recognizing the repeated judicial pronouncements, withdrew the latest charges against these 12 individuals. This marks a long-overdue respect for the rule of law and reaffirms their innocence, which the courts have consistently upheld.
“In accordance with the court’s directive, I personally oversaw the handover of the released individuals, an order which the prison authorities promptly complied with. 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.’ That moment draws closer every day,” he stated.