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Court Remand 52 Pro-Biafra Agitators To Prison In Enugu
This is reportedly the third time in recent years that the Ben Onwuka-led BZF had attempted to gain access to the Enugu House
52 members of the Biafra Zionist Front (BZF) led by Benjamin Onwuka, who were arrested in Enugu on May 30, while allegedly on their way to hoisting the Biafra flag inside the Enugu Government House, have been remanded in Enugu Correctional facility.
It could be recalled that on Tuesday, May 30, a sit-at-home was declared in the zone by Pro-Biafra agitators in remembrance of the day the defunct Biafra Republic was declared, a development that forced businesses, schools, markets and offices to shut down in Enugu and other Southeast States.
The group members were allegedly picked up on their way to hoist the Biafra flag inside the Enugu Govt House during the sit-at-home declared that day to celebrate the 59th year anniversary of Biafra by the proponents.
It was gathered that the Pro-Biafra agitators had concluded a procession near the Michael Okpara Square, and were marching to the Government House when they were arrested.
They were arraigned at the Enugu Magistrate Court Wednesday, May 31, and remanded in prison alongside their leader Benjamin Onwuka.
A source stated that the agitators displayed Biafran flags, those of Israel and the United States of America when they were arrested.
The source added: “The men numbering over 50 had arrived at the venue where they were set to embark on the procession. They had Biafran flags and those of the USA and Israel. They were also carrying loads of tracks bearing the name of their group and their messages.
“So, it was when they started marching towards the Government House that about five Hilux vans loaded with policemen came and arrested them. I must tell you that they were not bearing any arms or dangerous weapons.”
Most of those arrested were said to be elderly men.
This is reportedly the third time in recent years that the Ben Onwuka-led BZF had attempted to gain access to the Enugu House failing on each occasion.
They had also in the past allegedly tried to seize the Enugu Broadcasting Service but were stopped by the police. One of their members was shot dead in the process.