Biafra V Nigeria: Again, Judge’s Absence Stalls Hearing

The planned hearing of the court case between Biafra and Nigeria before Justice S. M. Shuaibu of the Federal High Court sitting in Owerri was again frustrated on Monday, September 22, 2015 due to the judge’s absence.

The Biafra lawyers led by Barr. Emeka Emekesri and Barr. Debe Ojukwu arrived the court premises at 9:00a.m., accompanied by some members of the Supreme Council of Elders, of the Indigenous People of Biafra. Oba Igwe Ezekwesiri Nri, who represented Nri Kingship. Mr. Ndubuisi Vincent Nweke- Anaenugwu and Mr. Chinedu Asuzu Peters of Voice of Biafra (BVI-Channel1), and a massive crowd of Biafrans.

To their greatest surprise both the judge and the defence lawyers
were unexpectedly absent from court.
They were later informed by the court clark that the judge was unable to be present due to health problems.

Other people present at the court are Commander Richmond, who represented the former Niger Delta militants, Bishop Umefuna, who represented the Christian leaders. Others are Engr Amadi, leader of Bilie Human Rights Initiative, Elder Mike George, representing Ibibio people, IPOB coordinators, and the representatives of other ethnic nationalities in Biafra land.

Voice of Biafra (BVI-Channel1), reported that many of Biafrans in court were angry and frustrated, because it wasn’t the first time the judge was absent on health grounds.

“Some believed that it was a deliberate and systematic plan to exasperate the Biafra people.” Ndubuisi Vincent Nweke- Anaenugwu said. ” This is both legal and intellectual battle, we are here but it seems that Nigeria Government is running away from justice, but we will surely win.” He added.

Addressing the people outside the court, Barr. Emekesri and Barr. Debe Ojukwu, advised Biafrans to remain law abiding and fearless in their quest for freedom. Barr Emekesri said: ” let us use this time to organise ourselves and prepare better. I am sure that we will get our freedom through this process, if they frustrate us here, we will go to international court.

“Biafra case is already in United Nations through the efforts of Bilie Human Rights Initiative.”

Chief Debe Ojukwu assured the crowd that Biafra would be free. ” The journey of our freedom has already started. It is a process recognise by international law. Go to your villages and inform them to join this struggle.

“If I am not sure of this process, I will not be spending my time and money coming to this court to represent the Indigenous People of Biafra.” He stated.

Commander Richmond, who represented the former Niger Delta militants thanked the lawyers and everyone for their efforts. ” I came to observe what is happening and how the Niger Delta and Igbo people could work together for our freedom. Igbo people showed us great love in the last election by massively voted for a Niger Delta man for president. I will go back and tell my people to join hands with Igbos so that we will all be free. ” He said.

Another Biafra who spoke on the condition of anonymity said : “ The absence of the judge and defence lawyers raises so many serious question marks. This is showing disrespect to Biafrans, especially our elders. I feel that this is a way to frustrate us, but they will fail because international law is on our side. Justice can only be delayed, it can’t be denied.”

The case was adjourned to 15th of December, 2015.