In delivering his ruling, Justice Omotosho found that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) had failed to present sufficient evidence to support the charges against the defendants.
The judge upheld the defendants’ no-case submission, stating that the prosecution did not produce any credible evidence linking the accused to the alleged terrorist activities.
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As a result, the court struck out the three-count charge brought against the defendants.
The Inspector-General of Police had filed the charges against the 50 individuals, accusing them of terrorism.
The charge, dated January 10 and filed on February 9, alleged that the defendants were arrested on December 12, 2023, at Umunze Village, in the Uga Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, following a tip-off from intelligence sources.
Police officers, along with local vigilantes, reportedly intercepted a 911 truck with registration number XA-139 BDN, where the accused were said to have been gathered for a meeting related to terrorism.
The police further alleged that the defendants were in possession of items associated with IPOB, including 48 black caps, 25 red caps, and six orange caps, all emblazoned with the IPOB emblem.
Additionally, the police claimed that the defendants admitted to possessing charms that they believed gave them spiritual powers, including the ability to disappear while carrying out their activities.
The police also alleged that the defendants were gathered to promote illegal activities and instigate terror in Anambra State, an offense punishable under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.
However, the court found no evidence to support these claims and acquitted all the accused.
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