The Police Command in Anambra State have arrested and detained a Catholic Priest, Rev.Fr. Samuel Aniebonem and 5 other persons for allegedly belonging to the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra, (MASSOB) in Awka.
This was contained in a statement made available to journalists by Mazi Chris Mocha, Director of Information, MASSOB.
The statement further stated that Aniebonem and five others were arrested on Wednesday September 27, by anti kidnapping section of the Nigeria police at Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area, Anambra.
Mocha said three persons were arrested when the police raided the group’s office along Awkuzu/ Otuocha road, Ifitedunu, Dunukofia Local Government Area of the state on Monday 25 September .
The statement noted that Aniebonem, who works at St Patrick’s Cathedral Church, Awka, hails from Ifitedunu town, got involved when he visited State Criminal Investigation Department, Awkuzu on account of his in-law.
According to him, the priest had gone for Chief Sylvester Dinyelu,his 87 years old in law arrested by the police to seek the reason behind his arrest and possibly secure his release considering his age.
He said instead of briefing the priest on reasons for arrest of Dinyelu by the police he was also arrested on suspicion that he might be a member of the movement.
Mr. Udebunu Anachuna, driver of the priest who drove him to the station was equally arrested alongside Mr. Christian Ifeji, Johnson Anagor and Mr. Kanayo Madu on same allegations.
Mocha said that a similar development occurred in Onitsha when one Mr. Mathew Ani was also arrested on Tuesday, September 26 on allegation of belonging to the Indigenous people of Biafra, IPOB.
He said that police random arrest need to be checked as their actions ridicules rights of free association and movement of the citizens as contained in the Nigerian Constitution
“We have just engaged the services of our lawyer to ensure the early release of the men including that of a 87 year old man,” Mocha said.
The Police command Public Relations Officer, PPRO, in Anambra, Mr. Tochukwu Ikenga, (DSP) confirmed the arrest and detention when contacted.
“Our operatives working on reliable information, raided their office along Oyeagu Ifitedunu road on Monday September 25, ” he said..
He said that a lot of incriminating items and unpatriotic materials that show disloyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria were found.
“Temporarily the case is still under investigation as I talk to you,” Ikenga said.
