The Biafra Independence Movement and the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra have condemned the police invitation of their leader, Ralph Uwazuruike, describing it as a political witch-hunt and an attempt to detain him unjustly.
In a statement on Sunday signed by the groups’ media aide, Chris Mocha, BIM–MASSOB said Uwazuruike was asked to appear at the police “Tiger Base” in Owerri on Monday, October 20, over allegations of criminal invasion, forgery, and willful damage.
The groups dismissed the allegations as baseless and said the summons was a tactic to intimidate Uwazuruike for supporting the planned nationwide peaceful protest seeking the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
They stated, “Chief Ralph Uwazuruike has committed no crime by choosing to participate in a peaceful demonstration demanding justice for Nnamdi Kanu. The invitation is nothing but a trap to arrest and detain him.”
The development follows Uwazuruike’s recent suit filed at the Owerri High Court against the Imo State Police Command and seven others, in which he is seeking ₦100 million in damages for alleged rights violations.
He also asked the court to restrain the police from arresting or detaining him over his planned participation in the October 20 protest.
BIM–MASSOB described Uwazuruike as a peace-loving leader who has championed the Biafran cause through non-violent means for over two decades.
The statement added, “Uwazuruike remains committed to dialogue and peaceful advocacy. There is no justification for this harassment.”
