Catholic Priest Arrested Over Alleged MASSOB Affiliation

Rev. Fr. Samuel Aniebonem, a Catholic priest, and five others were detained by the police anti-kidnapping unit in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area, Anambra State, for alleged involvement in the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).

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

The Catholic priest, an in-law of one of the detained BIM-MASSOB members, had gone to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awkuzu to find out what had led to the arrest of the 87-year-old in-law, Sylvester Dinyelu, and potentially influence 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.

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“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.”

Mazi Chris Mocha, MASSOB Director of Information, confirmed the report to newsmen in Onitsha. He claimed Mathew is being held at the Area Command’s jail 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.”