On Thursday, the Enugu State High Court made a significant ruling, declaring that the 2017 proscription of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) by the Southeast Governors’ Forum and the Federal government was an administrative abuse and therefore null and void.
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of IPOB, had initiated this legal action to challenge the proscription.
Kanu’s argument was centered on the assertion that IPOB is a registered organization with members who are simply exercising their right to associate freely.
The legal suit was brought forward by Kanu’s special counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor.
The sought-after reliefs included the removal of IPOB from the list of terrorist organizations in accordance with the African Charter and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Among other requests, Kanu also sought a declaration recognizing self-determination as a right, public apologies to be published in three national newspapers, N25 billion in damages, and an injunction preventing the government from pursuing criminal proceedings against him.
Justice A.O. Onovo, in delivering the judgment, concurred with the applicant’s argument that the African Charter is binding on Nigerian courts, and therefore, self-determination is not a criminal offense. Regarding monetary damages, the court granted Kanu the sum of N8 billion.
However, the court asserted that it lacked jurisdiction to halt Kanu’s ongoing criminal trial, which is before the Supreme Court.
Barrister Ejimakor expressed his appreciation for the court’s decision, emphasizing that it upholds the principle of justice, serving as a beacon of hope for the common man.
He stated, “We are grateful that justice has prevailed in this matter since 2017. The court has reaffirmed the common man’s faith in the judiciary, and in doing so, has potentially saved countless lives.”