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Catholic Priest, Five Others Detained Over Alleged MASSOB Membership
Mathew said he was not a member of IPOB but that he belonged to Uwazuruike’s BIM-MASSOB
Anambra State– The anti-kidnapping section of the police in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area, Anambra State, has detained Reverend Father Samuel Aniebonem, a Catholic priest, and five others over alleged involvement with the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).
The incident occurred when a raid on the group’s office along Awkuzu/Otuocha road in Ifitedunu, Dunukofia Local Government Area of the state resulted in the arrest of three persons.
The priest, an in-law to one of the arrested members of BIM-MASSOB, had gone to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awkuzu to find out what led to the arrest of the 87- year old in-law, Sylvester Dinyelu, 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.
The 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.”