Naija247news reports that the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has filed an appeal against the recent court order affirming its proscription as a terrorist organization. The move comes weeks after a Federal High Court in Abuja upheld the Nigerian government’s 2017 decision to ban the group, which has been at the forefront of the agitation for the secession of the South-East region.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Naija247news gathered that the appeal, filed at the Court of Appeal in Abuja, argues that the proscription order was unconstitutional and violated the fundamental rights of the group’s members. IPOB’s legal team, led by renowned human rights lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor, contends that the Federal High Court erred in its judgment by failing to consider the group’s right to self-determination under international law.
According to Naija247news, the appeal also challenges the validity of the ex-parte order obtained by the federal government in 2017, which labeled IPOB as a terrorist organization. The group claims that the order was granted without fair hearing, as it was not given the opportunity to present its case before the proscription was enforced.
Naija247news understands that the appeal has reignited debates over the legality of the proscription and the broader implications for freedom of association and expression in Nigeria. Human rights organizations and legal experts have expressed concerns over the government’s use of anti-terrorism laws to clamp down on separatist groups, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent for civil liberties.
In a statement made available to Naija247news, IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, described the proscription as a “politically motivated move” aimed at silencing dissent. “We are a peaceful movement seeking justice and equity for our people. The Nigerian government’s decision to label us as terrorists is not only unjust but also an attempt to suppress our legitimate demands,” Powerful said.
Naija247news reports that the federal government has maintained its stance, insisting that IPOB’s activities pose a threat to national security. The government has cited violent clashes involving IPOB members and security forces, as well as the group’s alleged involvement in attacks on public infrastructure, as justification for the proscription.
As the legal battle unfolds, Naija247news gathered that the case has drawn international attention, with diaspora groups and foreign observers calling for a fair and transparent judicial process. The outcome of the appeal is expected to have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s approach to handling separatist movements and the balance between national security and human rights.
The Court of Appeal is yet to fix a date for the hearing of the appeal, but the case is already shaping up to be a landmark legal showdown with significant political and social ramifications.
