The Anambra State Police Command has detained a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Samuel Aniebonem, along with five other individuals, on allegations of their association with the separatist group, the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).
The arrest took place in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area, which previously served as the headquarters of the now-banned Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Anambra State. According to reports, trouble began for Fr. Aniebonem when he visited the State Criminal Investigation Department to inquire about his 87-year-old in-law, Chief Sylvester Dinyelu, who had been arrested earlier. The police, instead of providing information on Dinyelu’s arrest, detained the priest on suspicions of his involvement with the separatist movement.
2023: MASSOB Sends Strong Warning To Gov Ikpeazu For Sabotaging Igbo Presidency
Joining Fr. Aniebonem in detention were Udebunu Anachuna, his driver, as well as Christian Ifeji, Johnson Anagor, and Kanayo Madu.
Mazi Chris Mocha, the director of information for MASSOB, expressed concerns over the continuous arrests by the police. He argued that such actions contradicted the principles of citizens’ rights to free association and movement as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution.
In a similar incident in Onitsha, Mathew Ani was arrested on allegations of belonging to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). These detentions have raised questions about the motives behind these arrests and the potential infringement on the rights of individuals.
2023: MASSOB Warns Gov Okowa To Stay Away From South East
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the arrests and detention, stating that police operatives had raided the office of the detained individuals along Oyeagu–Ifitedunu road. During the raid, various incriminating items and materials displaying disloyalty to the Federal government, according to Ikenga, were discovered.
For now, the case remains under investigation, as per the police spokesperson’s statement. However, human rights activists have expressed surprise at the arrest of Reverend Father Aniebonem on allegations of association with MASSOB. This incident has sparked discussions and concerns about the rights and freedoms of individuals in Nigeria and the circumstances surrounding their detention.
Follow us on Facebook
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.