IPOB lawyer commends court for clearing Chika Edoziem of terrorism charges

Maduako Igbokwe I Thursday, February 20, 2025

 

OWERRI, Imo – Lead counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi C. Ejiofor, has commended the Federal High Court 1 Owerri for its landmark judgment clearing Mazi Chika Edoziem of charges related to terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, and violent criminal activities.

Ejiofor, in a statement on Thursday, expressed his happiness over what he described as a historic ruling at the Federal High Court No. 1 in Owerri, Imo State, presided over by His Lordship, Hon. Justice I.N. Oweibo.

Justice Oweibo delivered the landmark judgment in Suit No: FHC/OW/FHR/29/2024, between Mazi Chika Edoziem vs. Hon. Minister of Defence and Chief of Defence Staff, and consequently declared the wrongful designation of Mazi Chika Edoziem as a wanted person, terrorist, insurgent, kidnapper, and violent criminal by the Hon. Minister of Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff as illegal.

According to Ejiofor, the ruling affirms that the publication of Edoziem’s name and photograph on March 22, 2024, in the Ministry of Defence’s First Edition of 2024, labeling him a security threat, was done in gross violation of his constitutionally guaranteed right to human dignity and was therefore unconstitutional.

The statement further reads:

COURT DIRECTIVES AND COMPENSATION:

1. His Lordship further directed the Minister of Defence and Chief of Defence Staff to immediately retract the unconstitutional declaration of Mazi Chika Edoziem as a “terrorist,” “insurgent,” “kidnapper,” “violent criminal,” and “wanted person,” and to issue an unreserved public apology in two national newspapers to Mazi Chika Edoziem.

2. The court awarded ₦5,000,000.00 (Five Million Naira) in damages to Mazi Chika Edoziem for the infringement of his fundamental right to human dignity.

 

A TRIUMPH FOR THE RULE OF LAW

Notably, among the many names listed in the said notice, Mazi Chika Edoziem was the only one who successfully challenged this illegal publication and the inclusion of his revered name in the offending document. His global reputation as a peace advocate stands in sharp contrast to the blatant false allegations. This judgment is a strong statement against unjust profiling and underscores the importance of due process in security matters.

A CALL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY

Security agencies must focus on proper profiling to identify actual criminals rather than targeting innocent citizens. The real perpetrators of crime operate in known locations, and tackling insecurity requires collective responsibility beyond just the security forces.

APPRECIATION AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my dedicated colleagues in Chambers whose relentless efforts made this victory possible. Special thanks to Ezigbo Umuchineke for their unwavering support and prayers, whose peaceful conduct has enabled seamless defense in matters affecting genuine and peaceful agitators.

Above all, I thank Almighty God for His guidance and protection throughout the proceedings.

Justice has prevailed, and we march forward with renewed faith in the rule of law, even as we continue to move forward!