Abia State police command arrests 51 Ipob members in Umuahia for demanding Jewish theocracy

MEN of the Abia State Police Command have arrested 51 Jewish worshippers after they staged a peaceful march along some major streets in Umuahia the state capital during which they called for the creation of a Jewish nation.

Carrying Biafran insignia and Israeli flags during the march that took off from the home of Indigenous People of Biafra (Ipob) leader Nnamdi Kanu, the protesters sang songs and carried placards calling for a theocracy. Police spokesman Geoffrey Ogbonna, confirmed that a convoy of four security patrol vans trailed them as they marched, adding that those arrested included 10 females and 41 males.

One of the protesters who gave his name as Israel Ibe, said: “Our peaceful march was informed by the need to have a Jewish nation in Biafraland. We need to be allowed, as we are not free being with the Nigeria government.

“You cannot keep yam and goat together. Their culture and religion is not the same with ours, so, there is no need being together, as the time has expired for us to have our own country.”

He disclosed that the worshippers informed the police and some government agencies before the peaceful protest. Sheikh Ali Ukiwo, the chief imam of Abia State, described the action as bad, untimely and uncalled for, adding that historically in Igboland, December is the month of celebrations.

Ipob have asked the police in Umuahia, to release its members without further delay, adding that the Jewish worshippers were calling for a Biafran referendum and freedom. In addition, Ipob threatened to notify Jewish community all over the world, particularly Israel about the arrest.

Emma Powerful, Ipob's spokesman alleged that their members were arrested at various locations in Umuahia, for merely exercising their fundamental rights. He cautioned the police and army to stop the humiliation and harassment of anybody identified with Ipob or face the consequences.

Ipob has also urged the Abia State police commissioner and Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to ensure the immediate release of the protesters who committed no crime. It is not yet clear if they will be charged to court or what section of the constitution they are said to have contravened.