The Federal High Court sitting in Umuahia, Abia State, has struck out the charge against Aba based activist lawyer, Emperor Ogbonna that was filed by the Abia State Government for lack of diligent prosecution and also slammed a fine of One Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N1.5M) against the Department of States Services (DSS) for detaining him.

The court while delivering the judgment on Monday granted an order for the immediate release of Emperor from the custody of DSS, and also restrained the DSS and its sister government agencies from further arresting, detaining and harassing the activist.

Furthermore, the Court reprimanded DSS for importing the proscribed IPOB into the whole issue in order to make the charge appeared like a terrorist Case.

“Using uncouth language and insult against the president or DSS is unprofessional but does not by any means constitute inciting activities against the state,” the Court ruled.

Recall that Emperor Ogbonna Esq was arrested for a post he published on his Facebook wall that Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia allegedly visited a shrine outside the country where he was said to have sworn to an oath of allegiance and secrecy to the former Governor of the State, Senator T.A Orji. This publication led to his arrest and prosecution under the directives of Chief of Staff (COS) to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia state, Dr. Anthony Agbazuere.