IPOB: Non-Appearance of Judges Stalling Our Members' Freedom

By David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has lamented the non-appearance of judges in matters concerning her, saying that such was impeding the freedom of its members who were still being held in prison.

A press release signed by the group’s spokesperson, Mr. Emma Powerful, which was made available to THISDAY in Awka stated that the move was a deliberate one to deny its members freedom.

Part of the press release by powerful stated, “The system of delay tactics which Nigerian Government and her judiciary uses in handling all court cases involving IPOB since 2015 has proven that common man cannot get justice from the Nigerian Judiciary unless the presidency directs the court on what to do.”

It added that, “Prompt dispensation of justice or otherwise is now entirely dependent on the mood of those running Aso Rock. Guilt or innocence are no longer determined by the preponderance of evidence but by the mindset of those at Aso Rock.

IPOB pointedly accused President Muhammad Buhari of being responsible for the delay in cases concerning it, wondering why the president would stoop so low to meddle in matters concerning the group.

“President Muhammadu Buhari through the Attorney General of the Federation AGF has been giving instructions to the judiciary to use delay tactics in handling IPOB cases. It baffled us as to why judges presiding over IPOB cases in different courts would prefer to use adjournment or non-appearance of government prosecutors to prolong the detention of Biafrans exercising their constitutional right to self-determination.

“A prime example of the matter remains the case of our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s co-agitators like Benjamin Madubugwu, David Nwawuisi and Chidiebere Onwudiwe who are still in prison custody for over two years now without commencement of the proper trial.

“All the government does is parade them before the court, on average once every two months in front of Binta Nyako, who in turn will listen to oral arguments for 1 hour and then adjourn the matter for another six-eight weeks without regard for the welfare of the detainees and the fact that there isn’t any evidence to sustain the bogus charges.”

The group said with such conduct as arresting and detaining suspects against court rulings, it wondered why the Nigerian Judicial Commission could not summon the courage to question the DSS as to why they had refused to obey the order of the High Court to release one Bright Chimezie Ishinwa, its member who was arrested months back.

It said that, “It is very appalling that the judiciary who are supposed to be the last hope of the common man can allow themselves to be used by the executive arm of government to subvert the wheel of justice. The adjournment upon adjournment including non-appearance of judges handling IPOB cases has made the people lose hope in the Nigerian judicial system.”