The Federal High Court of Nigeria sitting in Owerri, today being the 6th Day of June, 2024, commenced proceedings in a Fundamental Rights Enforcement Suit filed by Mazi Chika Edoziem- the Head of Directorate of State of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), against the Chief of Defence Staff and Minister of Defence, to challenge his unlawful and illegal declaration as a “wanted person".
His Lordship today granted our application to effect the service of the originating processes filed in the suit, on the Minister of Defence and Chief of Defence Staff, through their Legal Unit in Abuja.
BRIEF FACTS
1. Recall that on the 22nd March, 2024, the Defence Headquarters, without any lawful justification whatsoever, published the name of Mazi Chika Edoziem, and consequently described, declared and treated him as a “terrorist”, “insurgent”, “kidnapper”, “violent criminal” and “wanted person”. His photograph was further published as an "insurgent and violent criminal operating in the South East”. This was contained in the Defence Headquarters' First Edition 2024 publication.
2. It is to be noted that Mazi Chika Edoziem was never at any time given any invitation or accused of committing any offence by the Nigeria Defence Headquarters, to warrant being treated in such an unlawful and unconstitutional manner.
3. In view of the foregoing, we instituted an action on behalf of Mazi Chika Edoziem, before the Federal High Court Owerri, Imo State, for the enforcement of his fundamental human rights, extantly guaranteed under chapter 4 of the Constitution, which said rights were grossly violated by the Defence Headquarters by their unlawful declaration.
The matter has been adjourned to a later date, for the hearing of the substantive application.
We shall continue to keep Ezigbo Umuchineke updated of every development in this case, but be assured that justice will be served in the end.
We thank the most High ChukwuOkike Abiama for safe flight back to Abuja.
We shall continue to admonish Ezigbo Umuchineke to always remain focused, vigilant, and trust absolutely in the power of Almighty ChukwuOkike for His unlimited ability to do justice to all manner of Men.
Be assured that the land of Biafra shall definitely expose and deal decisively with the evil monsters and soulless beings, who are today , kidnapping, killing, maiming , raping , desecrating and devouring our land, they shall have no escape route because their cup is filled already. It is only a matter of time, they shall account for their evil deeds.
Thank you and God bless you all,
Even as we continue to Move!
Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Esq. (KSC)
IPOB's Lead Counsel
6th June, 2024.
