The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has filed an appeal before the Supreme Court, challenging the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which upheld its proscription and designation as a terrorist organization. The move comes after the appellate court, in a ruling delivered on January 30, 2025, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s decision to ban IPOB, citing threats to national security.
The proscription was initially ordered on January 18, 2018, by the late Justice Abdu-Kafarati of the Federal High Court, Abuja. The ruling declared IPOB’s activities illegal, particularly in the South-East and South-South regions, and directed the Attorney General of the Federation to publish the proscription order in national newspapers.
Dissatisfied with both the High Court and Court of Appeal rulings, IPOB has now taken its case to the Supreme Court, filing a five-ground notice of appeal on February 7, 2025. The suit, marked SC/CA/A/214/2018, lists the Attorney General of the Federation as the sole respondent. IPOB argues that the appellate court erred in law by declaring it a national security threat and failing to uphold its constitutional right to a fair hearing under Sections 36(2) and 45(1) of the 1999 Constitution.
Through its counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, IPOB contends that its proscription violated constitutional provisions, as the declaration of a state of emergency under Section 305 was never made before restricting its rights. The group further asserts that the Court of Appeal lacked jurisdiction to justify its proscription based on national security concerns.
IPOB also invokes Article 20 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, emphasizing its right to self-determination. The group maintains that colonized or oppressed people have the legal right to seek freedom through internationally recognized means.
In its relief, IPOB urges the Supreme Court to overturn the Court of Appeal’s decision and reverse its proscription.