Police arrest 140 IPOB members over ‘inciting songs’

The Enugu state police command has arrested 140 members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for allegedly organising unlawful procession.

Ebere Amaraizu, the command spokesman, told NAN the IPOB members were arrested on Wednesday in Nsukka LGA.

He said they were caught displaying “proscribed items” on the streets and “chanting inciting songs against the nation”.

“Through a joint security task force, 140 IPOB members were arrested on Wednesday while engaging in unlawful procession and display of proscribed items against the nation,” he said.

He said the police have obtained statements from the suspects, and that they would be charged to court on Thursday.

“The police command in Enugu state is urging residents of the state to remain law abiding as security and safety is the bedrock of any progressive society,” he said.

Relating to the sit-at-home order given by IPOB, he added that the police would ensure that law-abiding citizens go about their activities “without fear of intimidation or molestation.”

The defence headquarters had in 2017 tagged IPOB a terrorist organisation.

A federal high court in Abuja subsequently proscribed the group, and declared its activities acts of terrorism.