UPDATE: WE ARE NOT IPOB MEMBERS, SUSPECTS TELL POLICE

UPDATE: WE ARE NOT IPOB MEMBERS, SUSPECTS TELL POLICE

 

Members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, who allegedly masterminded the problem in Nnewi, which led to the killing of a police officer on Saturday, were paraded at the Anambra State police headquarters in Awka.

 

33 out of the 34 persons previously arrested by police, were paraded while one was exempted. The reason for the exemption of one person was not made known to newsmen.

 

While parading the suspects, Jimo Moshood, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, said police investigation revealed they were involved in the crime; adding that they would be charged for terrorism, murder, malicious damage, and unlawful possession of arms, among other charges.

 

He reiterated the determination of the Nigerian Police Force to fight crimes in the society; and urged members of the public, especially Nnewi residents, to go about their lawful businesses without fear.

 

Some of the suspects were allowed to speak to journalists in the presence of the police. One of the suspects, Sunday Ilonze, who said he is an Evangelist under the Anglican Communion in Nnewi, said he was in his shop writing invoice for his customer, who was also in the shop with him when heavily armed policemen arrived and dragged him into the police van.

 

Another suspect, Vincent Okoroafor, who said he was the vice chairman of Peace Line, in the Motor Parts Market, Nnewi, said he was just arriving from burial of the father of Rev. Fr. Unadike; and was moving into the market with one of his man-servants to lock his shop before leaving for the day, when some men in army uniform accosted them, and pushed them into police vehicle.

 

Okoroafor, who also said he is the Chairman of Catholic Choir of St. Michael De Archangel Parish, Umudim, Nnewi, said 99% of people arrested by police over the incident are innocent traders doing their lawful businesses. He called on Igwe K.O Orizu of Nnewi; Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo, Chairman of South East Traders Association; Hon. Chris Azubogu, representing Nnewi Federal Constituency, as well as other well-meaning individuals to intervene in their arrest before they are ” wasted”, stating that virtually all of them arrested over the matter are resident in Nnewi with traceable addresses.

 

One of the suspects, a 17-year-old Uche Amos, who spoke exclusively with Anaedooline, said he was going his way on that fateful Saturday when he was arrested. He also said that another suspect who has arrested the same place with him, who made them 34 in number was later released. He claimed that the released suspect was a Hausa man.