A Federal High Court in Owerri declared the designation of Mazi Chika Edoziem, as a terrorist, insurgent, and a wanted person, all illegal and wrongful. The court also nullified his label as a kidnapper and violent criminal by the Minister of Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff.
Edoziem is the de-facto leader of the secessionist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which advocates for a sovereign state for most parts of eastern Nigeria.
Edoziem stepped into leadership on the capture and extradition of IPOB boss Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in 2021.
Award for Infringement of Rights
The court awarded ₦5 million in damages to Edoziem for the infringement of his fundamental right to dignity. Lead Counsel Ifeanyi Ejiofor, a human rights activist, announced the court’s decision.
Justice Iniekenimi Nicholas Oweibo delivered the judgement in Suit No: FHC/OW/FHR/29/2024, between Mazi Chika Edoziem and the Federal Government. He affirmed that the March 22, 2024, publication in the Ministry of Defence’s First Edition of 2024, branding Edoziem a security threat, violated his constitutional rights.
Retract and Apologize
The judge directed the Minister of Defence and Chief of Defence Staff to retract the declaration of Edoziem as a “terrorist,” “insurgent,” “kidnapper,” “violent criminal,” and “wanted person.” They must issue a public apology in two national newspapers.
Ejiofor praised the judgement as a triumph of the rule of law. He noted that Edoziem was the only individual who successfully challenged the illegal publication.
“His global reputation as a peace advocate contrasts sharply with the false allegations. This judgement underscores the importance of due process in security matters,” Ejiofor said.
Focus on Proper Profiling
Ejiofor said there was the need for security agencies to 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,” he added.
He thanked his colleagues and supporters for their efforts and peaceful conduct during the trial which enabled a successful defense. He also expressed gratitude to Almighty God for guidance and protection throughout the proceedings.
“Justice has prevailed, and we march forward with renewed faith in the rule of law,” he concluded.
Most violent crimes in the South East have been ascribed to IPOB which the group denies. It claims to be a victim of government propaganda aimed at discrediting its peaceful means to what it believes is a just and legitimate cause.
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