The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has formally called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to immediately reverse the proscription of the group, citing a recent ruling by a Federal High Court which declared that IPOB is not an unlawful organization.
In a statement released today, IPOB’s Directorate of State welcomed the judicial decision as a “historic affirmation of truth and justice,” emphasizing that the group has always maintained a peaceful and lawful approach in its pursuit of the right to self-determination for the people of the South-East region of Nigeria.
“The High Court has spoken clearly and unequivocally,” the statement read. “Our proscription was unjust, unconstitutional, and politically motivated. Now that the court has acknowledged our legal status, we demand that the Nigerian government obey its own laws and immediately lift the ban placed on IPOB.”
The High Court ruling, delivered last week, invalidated the 2017 designation of IPOB as a terrorist group, citing procedural flaws and a lack of evidence proving the group’s involvement in any acts that meet the legal threshold for terrorism or unlawful activity. The court stressed the importance of distinguishing between peaceful agitation and violent extremism.
Legal experts and civil society organizations have welcomed the ruling as a victory for rule of law and fundamental human rights, urging authorities to use the judgment as an opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue rather than suppression.