In a historic decision delivered on February 20, 2025, the Federal High Court No. 1 in Owerri, Imo State, presided over by Hon. Justice I.N. Oweibo, ruled in favor of Mazi Chika Edoziem in the case of Mazi Chika Edoziem Vs Hon.
Minister of Defence and Chief of Defence Staff (Suit No: FHC/OW/FHR/29/2024). The judgment annulled the Defense Ministry’s wrongful designation of Mazi Chika Edoziem as a “wanted person, terrorist, insurgent, kidnapper, and violent criminal,” declaring the action illegal and unconstitutional.
Court Directives and Compensation
The Court directed the Minister of Defence and Chief of Defence Staff to retract their unconstitutional declaration and issue an unreserved public apology to Mazi Chika Edoziem in two national newspapers. Furthermore, Mazi Chika Edoziem was awarded ₦5,000,000.00 (Five Million Naira) in damages for the infringement of his fundamental right to dignity.
A Triumph for the Rule of Law
Among the many names listed in the Defense Ministry’s Notice, Mazi Chika Edoziem was the only individual who challenged the illegal publication successfully. His global reputation as a peace advocate contrasts sharply with the unfounded allegations, and this judgment underscores the importance of due process in security matters while denouncing unjust profiling.
SEE THE NARRATION OF THE RULING BELOW:
In a historic ruling today, the Federal High Court No. 1 in Owerri, Imo State, presided over by His Lordship, Hon. Justice I.N. Oweibo, delivered a 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 as illegal, 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.
This ruling affirms that the March 22, 2024, publication of his name and photograph in the Ministry of Defence’s First Edition of 2024, as a security threat, was done in gross violation of his constitutionally guaranteed right to dignity of human person, and as such, unconstitutional.
COURT DIRECTIVES AND COMPENSATION:
- 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.
- The court awarded ₦5,000,000.00 (Five Million Naira) in damages to Mazi Chika Edoziem for the infringement of his fundamental right to dignity of human person.
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 or inclusion of his revered name in the offending publication. 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, and whose peaceful conduct has enabled seamless defence 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!
Sir Ifeanyi C. Ejiofor, Esq. (KSC)
February 20, 2025
7:53 AM · Feb 20, 2025
