The Anambra State Police Command has apprehended a suspected member of the proscribed Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Friday Obeta, for allegedly planning to enforce the sit-at-home order declared for May 30.
The sit-at-home directive was issued by the group across the South-East in remembrance of Biafran heroes who died during the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970).
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the 37-year-old suspect was arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Nnewi Sector, following intelligence reports. Items recovered from the suspect include a motorcycle, a branded t-shirt, and an ID card associated with the banned group.
Ikenga said, “Acting on credible intelligence regarding plans by members of the outlawed MASSOB to enforce the May 30 sit-at-home, the RRS operatives arrested Friday Obeta. The suspect confessed to being both a member and an informant for the organisation. His statements have provided valuable leads to track down other members of the group.”
Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has commended the officers involved in the arrest and urged them to intensify operations to prevent any unlawful assemblies in the state.
He also directed increased surveillance and proactive measures to ensure peace and order during the period.
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