Release our members now, MASSOB tells police

The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra on Saturday asked the police to immediately and unconditionally release three of their principal officers being detained at the Anambra State Special Anti-Robbery Squad headquarters, Awkuzu.

In a statement in Onitsha, MASSOB’s Director of Information, Mr.  Uchenna Madu, identified the three officers as Mr. Osondu Okwareke (Regional Administrator for Onitsha 3), Mr. Omenka (Regional Administrator for Onitsha 1) and Mazi Chris Mocha (National Deputy Director of Information).

According to the statement, the detainees had gone to the Divisional Police Station, Fegge, Onitsha on Thursday to hand over a member of the Biafra Zionist Movement to the police when they were arrested.

BZM had proposed November 5 for the declaration of Biafra Republic, which MASSOB had opposed.

  Madu said, “It is suicidal for any Igboman to trade with future of Biafra people. MASSOB under Ralph Uwazuruike represents the genuine interest of Ndigbo and Biafrans in general.

“Biafran re-declaration had already been done by Uwazuruike through the hoisting of the Biafran Flag on May 22, 2000 at Freedom Square, Faulks Road, Aba.”

Madu demanded that the police should release their officers with immediate effect as they were not a threat to peace.

MASSOB also appealed to Governor Peter Obi, the Inspector- General of Police and President Goodluck Jonathan to intervene and set their detained officers free as MASSOB members were getting agitated in Anambra State.

The Officer In-charge of SARS, Mr. James Nwafor,  told our correspondent to contact the Police Public Relations Officer for comments. But the PPRO, Mr. Ralphael Uzoigwe asked for more time to enable him get details before talking.