The Abuja division of the Court of Appeal has affirmed the order by Justice Abdu Kafarati of the Federal High Court, Abuja, proscribing the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and designating it as a terrorist organisation.
  
This was amid celebrations by IPOB to mark the 4th anniversary of the Eastern Security Network (ESN). It lauded ESN operatives for their dedication, bravery and sacrifices in safeguarding Biafra land.
  
In a judgment, yesterday, a three-member panel of the appellate court unanimously agreed with counsel to the Federal Government, Oyin Koleosho, that the state acted lawfully in proscribing the group, whose activities threatened the nation’s continued existence and the security of citizens.
  
In the lead judgment, Justice Hamma Barka resolved all the issues raised for determination against the appellant, while declaring the appeal unmeritorious. Dismissing the appeal, he faulted the claim by the appellant, represented by Chukwuma Umeh (SAN), that the procedure adopted by the Federal Government in proscribing the group was flawed.
  
Justice Barka held that the government fully complied with the provisions of the relevant laws, particularly Section 2 (1) of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act by adopting the ex parte proceedings. He said: “Such ex parte proceedings unless tainted, does not constitute any breach of the right to a fair hearing of parties before the court. ”
  
Barka adopted the position of the Supreme Court in the case of Dokubo-Asari vs FGN to the effect that where national security is threatened or there is the likelihood of it being threatened, human rights or individual rights or those responsible take second place.
  
He noted that since IPOB became known for perpetrating violence, the government could not be blamed for taking the steps it took to proscribe and designate the group as a terrorist organisation.

IN a statement signed by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB expressed gratitude to ESN operatives for their efforts in combating terrorism, protecting farmlands and maintaining peace in the region.
  
The statement highlighted that ESN was established on December 12, 2020, by Nnamdi Kanu, in response to security threats posed by Fulani herdsmen. The group claimed that ESN’s presence significantly reduced cases of attacks, killings and farm invasions in the South East region.
  
IPOB commended the operatives for their resilience despite operating in challenging environments, including living in remote areas and facing life-threatening confrontations. Special tribute was paid to those who lost their lives in the line of duty.
  
“The warrior’s spirit of both the living and departed comrades is working together to ensure the restoration of Biafra,” the statement reads.The group urged Biafrans, at home and in the Diaspora, to continue providing financial and moral support to the ESN.
  
It emphasised ESN’s strong ethical code, asserting that the operatives remained committed to their mission of protecting Biafra land without engaging in criminal activities.
 
“Any ESN operative found violating the code of conduct will face severe consequences,” the statement warned.