Twelve Biafran inmates who had been held in detention for nearly four years were finally released today, Thursday, following court orders discharging and acquitting them of all charges.
The release, which took place at the Ebonyi State High Court, marks a significant milestone in a prolonged legal battle that has seen repeated judicial rulings in favor of the detainees, who were among a group of 36 arrested on May 24, 2021.
In a statement confirming the development, human rights lawyer and lead defense counsel Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Esq. (KSC), said:
“History was made today… as 12 Biafran inmates… were finally set free in compliance with successive court orders discharging and acquitting them of all charges.”
The turning point came after the Ebonyi State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) formally applied to withdraw the latest charge filed against the twelve men. This action was in direct acknowledgment of numerous court decisions that had consistently upheld the innocence of the accused.
“It marked a long-overdue respect for the rule of law and a reaffirmation of their innocence, which courts had upheld time and again,” Ejiofor added.
According to Ejiofor, prison authorities complied promptly with the court’s directive, and he personally supervised the handover of the released individuals.
While celebrating this hard-won victory, Ejiofor emphasized that the fight for justice continues:
“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.”
He concluded with a message of hope and unwavering determination:
“Their release is no longer a matter of if but when, and that moment draws closer by the day. Justice may be delayed, but it shall not be denied. Freedom must prevail.”
See the full statement below:
12 BIAFRAN INMATES REGAIN FREEDOM AFTER NEARLY FOUR YEARS IN DETENTION:
Freedom Long Denied, Finally Restored!!!
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 follows a formal application by the Ebonyi State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), who, in acknowledgement of repeated judicial pronouncements, withdrew the latest charge filed against these 12 individuals. It marked a long-overdue respect for the rule of law and a reaffirmation of their innocence, which courts had upheld time and again.
In line with the court’s directive, I personally ensured the handover of the released individuals, an order promptly complied with by the prison authorities.
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, and that moment draws closer by the day.
Justice may be delayed, but it shall not be denied.
Freedom must prevail ✨
Signed:
Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Esq. (KSC)
April 10, 2025
