Court discharges, acquits 50 people accused of being IPOB members
The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court on Friday discharged and acquitted 50 persons alleged to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of allegations bordering on terrorism.
Justice James Omotosho, in a judgment, held that the Nigerian Police Force failed, in its entirety, to establish a prima facie case against the 50 defendants, including four women.
Mr Omotosho upheld the no-case submission of the defendants and said the prosecution failed to adduce any credible evidence, linking the defendants with the allegations they were charged.
The judge consequently struck out the three-count charge preferred against the defendants.
The Inspector-General of Police had, in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/8/2024, sued the 50 defendants.
They allegedly assembled themselves inside a 911 truck with Reg No. XA-139 BDN, and engaging themselves in a meeting all about and in connection with an act of terrorism.
They were alleged to have in their custody 48 black caps, 25 red caps, and six orange colour caps, and all were designed in IPOB emblem with various charms.
The police further alleged that their “gathering was for the purpose of promoting illegality in order to terrorise the people of Anambra.”
The police said the offence is contrary and punishable under section 12 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.
(NAN)
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