17 members of IPOB who were remanded in Prison custody on
the 14th of June 2019 by the Magistrate Court sitting in Akwa-Ibom State, for
lack of jurisdiction to try them for a case of Treasonable Felony, were no were
seen around the Court premises today for a second time.
Recall that on the 12th of June 2019, 21 members of IPOB
were ambushed and unlawfully arrested by Police Officers from Ikot Ekpene
Police station in Essien Udim LGA of Akwa Ibom State as they were driving out
from the venue of a Conference they held to sensitize the Community on the need
to support BIAFRA restoration project. Notable amongst those arrested was a
less than Two years old child whose mother only carried on her back all through
the travail. They were detained at the Police station and subsequently moved on
the 13th of June 2019, to Uyo Police Station, Ikot Akpan. Due to the uproar
from the Public, they Quickly released the Babies, their mother and the driver
who was not an IPOB Member.
On the 14th of June, the Police had secretly moved the
remaining 17, to the Magistrate Court without information through to the Legal
representatives to the IPOB members. On that day, all 17 members pleaded 'Not
Guilty' to the Treasonable Felony charge levelled against them and they were
subsequently moved to the State Maximum Prison and case adjourned to 1st of
July 2019 for report of compliance from the Director of Public Prosecution
(DPP).
Recall also, on 1st July 2019, our All State
Media Correspondent, Mr Emma Bassey who was at the Court waiting for the
arrival of the detained became frustrated as there was no plan by the State to
bring them to Court for hearing.
The Leader of the Legal Team Bar. Chijioke whom our
Correspondent spoke with, expressed disappointment over the manner that the
State was riding on the rights of innocent citizens. According to him, there
was no cogent explanation why his Clients were not brought to Court. He
expressed shock when he again noticed that the matter was not even listed for
the cases to be treated that day. However, he affirmed that Application for
bail was moved and the case adjourned again to 8th day of July 2019.
On 8th July 2019, reports from our States
Media Correspondent confirmed that the Magistrate Court at Essien Udim, didn't
sit and no reason was given whatsoever. The 17 IPOB were nowhere around the
Court. No reason also given. They simply registered the case again for 22nd
July 2019.
In total frustration and disappointment, Bar Chijioke the
head of the Legal Team representing the 17 IPOB moved swiftly to the State High
Court where he got another date 18th July 2019 for hearing.
IPOB members were all over the court premises with their
flags singing songs of Freedom, in solidarity with their brothers unjustly
detained since 12th June 2019.
We shall keep you updated on the 18th of July 2019 from
the State High Court, AKWA IBOM. We must continue to press for Justice from the
lawless Nigerian State. We refuse every form of intimidation and subjugation.
Nigeria is a failed State.
IPOB! One Family!
May Biafra come quickly.
Reported by:
Emma Bassey
For: Biafra State Media
Edited by:
Ngozichukwu Ada-Dav
For: Biafra State Media
Published by:
Chibuike John Nebeokike
For: Biafra State Media
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