The Court of Appeal in Abuja has reserved judgment in the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)’s appeal against its designation as a terrorist organization by the Federal Government. A three-man panel led by Justice Hamma Barka adjourned the matter following final arguments from both the Federal Government and IPOB, represented by their legal teams.
IPOB is appealing the ruling by the late former Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Abdul Abdu-Kafarati, who, on September 15, 2017, outlawed the group’s activities in Nigeria. The group argues that the ruling was based on misrepresentation of facts and failed to recognize that its activities do not constitute terrorism as defined under Nigerian law.
The Federal Government’s counsel maintained that IPOB poses a threat to national security, countering the allegations of injustice and suppression of facts made by IPOB’s representatives. The panel has indicated that a date for the judgment will be communicated to both parties.