Fourteen members of the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) had been arrested in Onitsha.
They were arrested by the Anambra State Police Command over alleged illegal procession.
Mrs Nkeiruka Nwode, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, made the disclosure to newsmen in Onitsha on Tuesday.
Nwode said that the arrests were carried out in different parts of the town during a procession by the group to mark 17 years of its existence.
She explained that the persons were arrested for illegal procession.
She, however, added that no life was lost in the confusion that followed the arrest of the members.
However, the Religious Administrator of MASSOB, Rev. Apostle Ezichukwu rejected the claim that just fourteen members were arrested.
Ezichukwu claimed that more than 50 members were arrested, with 20 missing.
He also added that one person was allegedly shot by the police.
Ezichukwu said that the procession was peaceful hence wondered why the police arrested members of the group.
He alleged that security personnel from the Army, Police, Navy and NSCDC were detaining MASSOB members at the Army Barracks, Onitsha, police headquarters, Awka and other police stations.
Also, the Anambra North Zonal Leader of MASSOB, Mr Benjamin Omenka appealed for the release of those arrested.
Speaking, he urged members of the group to be patient.
According to him, the present call for restructuring by some segments of the country came as a result of the fear for Biafra independence.
“Let the whole world know that we are resolute in our stand for a Biafra Republic.
“It is not compulsory that we shall remain one indivisible nation.
“They should allow us to go to our Promised Land,” he said.
He added that the agitation would remain a peaceful one.
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