The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a man identified as Friday Obeta, alleged to be a member of the proscribed Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), over a suspected plot to enforce a sit-at-home directive on May 30.
Authorities said the planned sit-at-home was intended to honour individuals who died during the Nigerian Civil War of 1967–1970.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer for the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Nnewi Sector, apprehended the 37-year-old suspect following credible intelligence.
Recovered from the suspect were a motorcycle, a branded t-shirt, and an operational identification card linked to the proscribed group.
“The suspect confessed to being a member and informant for the proscribed group and has provided useful information aiding the investigation for the possible arrest of other gang members,” the statement read.
The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, commended the operatives for the arrest and directed them to intensify operations based on the intelligence gathered.
He also instructed security personnel to increase surveillance across the state to prevent any unlawful gatherings or enforcement of the sit-at-home directive.
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring peace and public order throughout the state as May 30 approaches.
