Court bans IPOB, declares it terrorist group

A federal high court in Abuja has declared the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as “acts of terrorism”.

This followed an application filed by Abubakar Malami, attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice.

Malami had asked the court to proscribe the group.

Earlier on Wednesday, Lai Mohammed, minister of information, disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the legal process for the proscription of the group.

In its ruling, Abdul Kafarati, said activities of the secessionist group in any part of the country “especially in the south-east and south-south regions amounts to an act of terrorism and illegality”.

“That an order proscribing the existence of IPOB in any part of Nigeria especially in the south-east and south-south regions, either in groups or as individuals by whatever names they are called and publishing same in the official gazette and two national dailies is granted,” the court held.

“That an order restraining any person or group of persons from participating in any manner whatsoever in any form of activities involving or concerning the prosecution of the collective intentions or otherwise of IPOB under any name or platform however called is granted.”

Last week, the defence headquarters declared IPOB a militant terrorist organisation.

But Tukur Buratai, chief of army staff, later said the military never declared the group a terrorist organisation.

His comments came on the heels of criticisms from some Nigerians.