Detained catholic priest, seven others regain freedom in Anambra

Anambra, Nigeria – In a significant turn of events, Rev. Fr. Samuel Aniebonem, a Catholic Priest serving at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Awka, Anambra, who had been reportedly detained by the police, has been released, along with seven other individuals.

They had been taken into custody on September 27, with allegations of being members of the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).

The announcement of their release was made by Mazi Chris Mocha, the Director of Information for MASSOB, through a press statement shared with journalists in Awka.

Those released alongside Fr. Aniebonem included an octogenarian, Chief Sylvester Dinyelu, Chief Peter Udemefuna, Mr. Udebunu Anachuna (the priest’s driver), and Christian Ifeji, among others.

The leader of MASSOB in Anambra Central, Chief James Ezeani, confirmed the release of the detained individuals through the Director of Information.

Mocha, who also holds the position of Senior Special Adviser (SSA) to Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, the leader of MASSOB, expressed appreciation to the police for their swift investigation, which resulted in the release of the detainees.

The initial detention of the Catholic priest occurred when he visited the Anti-kidnapping squad office in Awkuzu to inquire about the arrest of his in-law, Chief Dinyelu. Instead of receiving answers to his inquiries, he, along with his driver and others, were detained.

Chief Dinyelu had been arrested, along with two others, at the MASSOB office in Oyeagu/Ifitedunu, Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra, during a police operation on September 25.

The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Ikenga Tochukwu (DSP), had confirmed the detention when contacted earlier.