Court Order: 12 of 36 Biafra Agitators Regain Freedom After Four Years in Detention

By Mary Obi

On Thursday, 12 out of 36 Biafrans who had been detained since May 24, 2021, were granted their freedom after four long years. This release followed a series of court orders that discharged and acquitted these individuals of all charges.

Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the lead counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), described the release as historic.

He said that while justice may be delayed, it cannot be denied, asserting that freedom will ultimately prevail.

In a statement released on April 10, 2025, Ejiofor said, “History was made today 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.”

Ejiofor also mentioned the formal application by the Ebonyi State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), who withdrew the latest charges against the 12 individuals, marking a long-overdue respect for the rule of law and reaffirming their innocence.

He added, “Our legal team remains relentless and fully committed to securing the freedom of the remaining detainees. Their release is no longer a matter of ‘if,’ but ‘when.’ That moment draws closer every day.”