12 IPOB Members Released After 3 Years in Prison

Twelve members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have regained their freedom after spending three years in prison.

The Ebonyi State High Court ruled in their favor, leading to their release.

This was made known in a statement issued by IPOB’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, on his Facebook page on Thursday, stating that the Ebonyi State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) withdrew the charges against them.

The 12 IPOB members were among 36 arrested in 2021, but earlier court rulings had already discharged and acquitted them. However, they remained in custody due to delays in implementing those decisions. The recent court ruling paved the way for their release.

Ejiofor wrote, “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,” the statement added.