The operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have arrested a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Samuel Aniebonem, and five other persons for allegedly belonging to the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).
The MASSOB Director of Information, Mazi Chris Mocha, made the disclosure in a statement issued on Friday, September 29, 2023.
Mocha stated that the Catholic priest and five others were arrested on Wednesday, September 27, by the anti-kidnapping unit of the Nigeria Police Force at Awkuzu in the Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State.
He disclosed that three persons had earlier been arrested when the police raided the group’s office along the Awkuzu/Otuocha road, Ifitedunu, Dunukofia Local Government Area of the state, on Monday, September 25.
He noted that Aniebonem, who works at St Patrick’s Cathedral Church in Awka, hails from Ifitedunu town, and got involved when he visited the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awkuzu, on account of his in-law.
Mocha said the priest had gone for his 87-year-old in-law, Sylvester Dinyelu, who was arrested by the police to seek the reason behind his arrest and possibly secure his release considering his age.
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He said instead of briefing the Catholic priest on reasons for Dinyelu’s arrest, the police arrested the cleric on the suspicion that he too might be a member of the group.
He added that the driver of the priest, Udebunu Anachuna, who drove the priest to the station, was equally arrested alongside Christian Ifeji, Johnson Anagor, and Kanayo Madu on the same allegation.
Mocha said a similar incident occurred in the Onitsha area of Anambra State when one Mathew Ani was also arrested on Tuesday, September 26, on an allegation of belonging to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
He said the random arrests by the police need to be checked, alleging that their actions were against the principles of the right of free association and movement of the citizens as contained in the Nigerian Constitution (as amended).
“We have just engaged the services of our lawyer to ensure the early release of the men, including the 87-year-old man,” Mocha added.
Confirming the incident, the Anambra State Police command Public Relations Officer, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, said: “Our operatives working on reliable information, raided their office along Oyeagu Ifitedunu road on Monday, September 25.”
He said a lot of incriminating items and unpatriotic materials showing the group’s disloyalty to the federal government were recovered by the police.
“Temporarily, the case is still under investigation,” Ikenga added.
