The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has filed an appeal at the Supreme Court, seeking to overturn the Court of Appeal’s judgment that upheld its proscription and designation as a terrorist organization.
The Court of Appeal had affirmed the 2018 ruling by late Justice Abdu-Kafarati of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which outlawed IPOB’s activities, citing national security concerns, particularly in the South-East and South-South regions. Dissatisfied with this decision, IPOB challenged the ruling, but the appellate court ruled unanimously on January 30, 2025, that the Federal Government acted lawfully in banning the group.
In response, IPOB filed a five-ground notice of appeal at the Supreme Court on February 7, 2025, listing the Attorney General of the Federation as the sole respondent. The group argues that the lower court erred in law by declaring IPOB a national security threat and prioritizing security concerns over its constitutional right to a fair hearing.
Through its counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, IPOB contends that its proscription violated constitutional provisions, as restrictions on rights require a presidentially declared state of emergency under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution. Ejimakor further argued that the appellate court lacked jurisdiction to declare IPOB a security threat or justify restrictions on its rights without due process.
Additionally, IPOB claims the ruling violated non-derogable constitutional rights that prohibit discrimination based on ethnicity, place of origin, or political opinion. Citing Article 20 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the group asserts its right to self-determination, arguing that oppressed groups have the right to seek freedom.
IPOB has urged the Supreme Court to allow the appeal and reverse the Court of Appeal’s judgment, seeking to have its proscription and terrorist designation overturned.
