Police Detain Catholic Priest, Others Over Alleged MASSOB Membership in Anambra State

The Anambra State Police command has detained a prominent Catholic priest, Reverend Fr. Samuel Aniebonem, and five other individuals over allegations of being affiliated with the separatist group, the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB). This incident has sparked concerns about the protection of citizens’ rights to association and movement.

Fr. Aniebonem, who serves at St. Patrick’s Cathedral Church in Awka, was taken into custody alongside Udebunu Anachuna, his driver, Christian Ifeji, Johnson Anagor, Kanayo Madu, and an 87-year-old man named Chief Sylvester Dinyelu. The arrests were conducted by the anti-kidnapping unit of the Nigeria Police Force, based in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area. It’s worth noting that this location previously served as the headquarters of the now-banned Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

The ordeal for Fr. Aniebonem began when he visited the State Criminal Investigation Department to inquire about the status of his in-law, Chief Sylvester Dinyelu, who had been previously detained by the police. Instead of providing information about Dinyelu’s case, the police arrested Fr. Aniebonem under suspicion of his involvement with the MASSOB movement.

Mazi Chris Mocha, the director of information for MASSOB, expressed concern over these arrests and urged authorities to cease the frequent apprehensions by the police. Mocha argued that such actions contradicted the principles of the right to free association and movement as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution.

The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the arrest and detention of these individuals. He stated that the police, acting on reliable information, raided a location along Oyeagu – Ifitedunu road, where they discovered incriminating items and materials that indicated allegiance to the movement.

Ikenga emphasized that the case remains under investigation, and further details will be revealed as the investigation progresses.

The arrest of Reverend Fr. Samuel Aniebonem has raised questions about the motives behind these detentions. Human rights activist Nze Dekey expressed surprise over the arrest, highlighting concerns about the basis for the allegations against the respected clergyman.