Catholic priest arrested for being member of Biafra group, MASSOB

The anti-kidnapping section of the police at Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area, Anambra State has detained a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Samuel Aniebonem and five others over alleged membership of Movement for Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).

Three persons were arrested during a raid of the group’s office along Awkuzu/ Otuocha road, Ifitedunu, Dunukofia Local Government Area of the state.

According to reports the priest was arrested when he had gone to State Criminal Investigation Department, Awkuzu to find out what led to the arrest of his 87- year old in-law, Sylvester Dinyelu, by the police and possibly effect his release.

A source said: “On getting to the station he was also arrested and detained on suspicion that he might be a member of the non-violence and non-exodus movement.

“His driver, Mr. Udebunu Anachuna, who drove the  Fr. Aniebonem to the station was equally arrested alongside Mr. Christian Ifeji, Johnson Anagor and Mr. Kanayo Madu.

“A similar development occurred in  Onitsha when Mr. Mathew Ani was also arrested on Tuesday, on allegation of belonging to the Indigenous people of Biafra, IPOB, which he had earlier denied.

“Mathew said he was not a member of IPOB but that he belonged to Uwazuruike’s BIM-MASSOB.”

Confirming the report  to newsmen in a Onitsha, MASSOB Director of Information, Mazi Chris Mocha said Mathew is being detained at the Area Command’s cell in Onitsha.

“We have just engaged the services of our lawyer to ensure the early release of the men including that of an 87 year old man,” the statement reads.

Reacting, Spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, (DSP), said, “Our operatives working on reliable information, raided their office along Oyeagu Ifitedunu road on 25/09/2023 and a lot of incriminating items and unpatriotic materials that show disloyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria  were found.

“Meanwhile the case is still under investigation as I talk to you.”