The Anambra State Police Command has released 17 supporters of the director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, who were arrested last week.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Ali Okechukwu, said this while speaking with newsmen in Awka on Monday.
Kanu’s supporters were picked up last week at various locations in Awka, the state capital, during solidarity protests.
The police spokesperson said the 17 persons comprised 13 females and four males.
Okechukwu said, “The Commissioner of Police just cautioned them and asked them to go.”
He expressed surprise that a national daily (not The PUNCH) misrepresented what transpired during the pro-Biafra’s demonstration in the state.
The PPRO said, “The Anambra tate police command has been drawn to the spurious publication on Police action in the dispersal of a crowd of misguided women and men on Tuesday, October 27, 2015, at Awka, Anambra State.
“It is evident that on Tuesday, October 20, 2015, some misguided youths took to the Federal Highway, Onitsha/Enugu Expressway, harassing people and blocking the highway, causing heavy traffic jam and the attendant hardship to the innocent and unsuspecting citizens and commuters.
“On the receipt of information from well-meaning people of the state on the ugly development, the police command, oblivious of what and who were behind the sudden convergence of the crowd on the highway, dispatched police men to the scene.
“The police presence and the professional handling of the crowd dispersed them and eased up traffic.
“Only few of the hesitant were arrested, cautioned and released immediately the same day.”
He described a media report alleging that four MASSOB protesters were shot in the process as baseless and malicious, “couched in most unprofessional” manner.
Okechukwu added, “This publication is to say the least an attempt to malign the police command and punctuate the serene and peaceful atmosphere in the state.
“The reporter did not contact the Commissioner of Police or the Police Public Relations Officer for clarifications or otherwise, at least to ensure a balanced reportage.
“The Command is asking the reporter to immediately retract the report or come up with evidence of those who were shot, the hospital they are kept or any other verifiable evidence of the shooting.”
PUNCH
