AFRICA/NIGERIA - Detained priest accused of belonging to a separatist group released

Abuja (Agenzia Fides) - The Anambra State Police Command (southern Nigeria) has released Father Samuel Aniebonem and seven other people arrested on September 27 on charges of belonging to the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra - MASSOB.
Three other people had previously been arrested, on September 25, when police raided the office of the MASSOB group.
Father Aniebonem who serves at St Patrick's Cathedral Church in Awka, was arrested while on his way to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awkuzu, to inquire about the charges regarding a relative his, Sylvester Dinyelu, who was arrested and eventually obtain his release.
Several people who had accompanied him to the police station were detained together with him.
Founded in 1999, MASSOB calls for the creation of an independent state of Biafra in the Igbo-dominated south-eastern region of Nigeria. MASSOB claims that since the failed Biafra War of Independence (1967-1970), Nigerian governments have continued to oppress and discriminate against the Igbo people. Led by its founder Ralph Uwazuruike, MASSOB is determined to achieve the State of Biafra through a 25-phase non-violent campaign that will culminate in a referendum under the supervision of the United Nations. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 3/10/2023)

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