24.06.2008 - Source: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada

Query response on MASSOB headquarters ("The address of the head office of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and when it was acquired; the address of the MASSOB International head office and when it was acquired; whether MASSOB writes letters of support on behalf of MASSOB members; if so, the appearance and content of the letterhead of the MASSOB head office [NGA102877.E]") [ID 24487]

Document(s): Open document

21.04.2008 - Source: Austrian Centre for Country of Origin and Asylum Research and Documentation

Report on MASSOB demonstration on the 29 March 2003 in Okigwe with 500 deads ("a-6037 (ACC-NGA-6037)") [ID 23236]

Document(s): Open document

08.08.2007 - Source: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada

Query response on the issuing of certain documents to the members of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB); the type of documents issued (2005 - July 2007) ("Whether the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) issues certain documents to its members; if so, the type of documents issued (2005 - July 2007) [NGA102579.E]") [ID 22101]

Document(s): Open document

06.07.2007 - Source: BBC News

Country's Igbo people are still marginalised and should again seek independence, Biafran leader says ("Call for Biafra to leave Nigeria") [ID 20958]

Document(s): Open document

06.2007 - Source: Freedom House

Anambra State: In 2006 security forces clashed with demonstrators supporting the banned separatist Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB); MASSOB’s leader, Ralph Uwazuruike, was jailed in 2005 on treason charges ("Freedom in the World 2007") [ID 20565]

"In 2006, security forces clashed with demonstrators in southeastern Anambra State who supported the banned separatist Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, known as MASSOB. The organization claims that ethnic Igbos suffer discrimination by the government and seeks a separate Igbo state in the southeast. Human rights groups report that dozens of pro-Biafran activists have been killed in the past seven years and hundreds have been detained. (A civil war in the 1960s, in which Biafra attempted to secede from Nigeria, claimed some one million lives.) MASSOB’s leader, Ralph Uwazuruike, was jailed in 2005 on treason charges; he maintains that the movement is nonviolent."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

MASSOB members initiated violent clashes with the government; large numbers were arrested ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19650]

"Members of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), a separatist group espousing Igbo unity and the secession of Igbo states as its prime tenets, initiated frequent violent clashes with the government, particularly in Onitsha and Anambra states. Police sometimes reacted by arresting large numbers of MASSOB members. For example, in June police in Anambra State suspected MASSOB of kidnapping four police officers and responded by arresting 69 people. Two others were killed in the arrest sweep. Formal charges against the 69 arrested persons were not announced by year's end."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

MASSOB leader Ralph Uwazurike and 6 of his deputies, arrested in 2005 on treason charges, still await trial in detention ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19651]

"MASSOB leader Ralph Uwazurike and six of his deputies, who were arrested in October 2005 on treason charges, remained in detention as they awaited trial. Public pretrial hearings were conducted in the case, but no announcements were made about the progress of the trial, which had been scheduled for September. There were no reports that the trial had begin by year's end."

Document(s): Open document

21.09.2006 - Source: Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (formerly Global IDP Project)

Secessionist demands by the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) resulted in hundreds of deaths in recent years ("Heightened risk of violence and displacement ahead of 2007 elections") [ID 17986]

"Violence leading to displacement could also be sparked by other “flashpoints”, particularly in south-eastern Nigeria where growing secessionist demands by the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) have resulted in hundreds of deaths in recent years (IRIN, 4 Septem-ber 2006)"

Document(s): Open document

09.2006 - Source: Freedom House

Dozens of pro-Biafran activists were killed, hundreds detained in the past 6 years ("Freedom in the World 2006") [ID 18261]

"In 2005, security forces broke up several demonstrations in the southeast by the banned organization MASSOB, which claims that ethnic Igbos suffer discrimination by the government. Human rights groups report that dozens of pro-Biafran activists have been killed in the past six years and hundreds have been detained. (The Biafran civil war of the 1960s claimed some one million lives.) More than 50 people who participated in a soccer tournament in Lagos in the name of MASSOB in 2004 were detained for more than six months and charged with treason in March 2005. Authorities in October arrested MASSOB leader Ralph Uwazuruike, who maintains that the movement is nonviolent."

Document(s): Open document

08.2006 - Source: Norwegian Country of Origin Information Center

MASSOB increasingly in conflict with authorities ("Report on Fact-finding trip to Nigeria (Abuja, Lagos and Benin City) 12-26 March 2006") [ID 18795]

"MASSOB-affiliation is claimed in a number of asylum cases both in Norway and in other European countries. The separatist group is increasingly in conflict with Nigerian authorities, and is seen as a clear threat by the political elite. A clear indication that the issue of MASSOB is controversial, and therefore may be underreported to a certain extent in the Nigerian press, is a statement made by Vice President Abubakar in August 2005: Vice President Atiku Abubakar, yesterday declared that the activities of the Movement for Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) were treasonable, warning media practitioners to shun publicizing the group's antics. (Lohor 2005) According to Bukhari Bello (NHRC), MASSOB activists have never approached the National Human Rights Commission regarding their grievances with the Nigerian state. MASSOB explicitly presents itself as a peaceful and non-violent organisation, but as one source put it – politics are never peaceful in Nigeria. Still, Nigerian media have on several occasions reported on acts of violence committed by people who claim to be MASSOB supporters – recently both during the national census in March15 and during the June unrest in Onitsha.16 However, such actions may be the work of other, more violent separatist groups critical towards MASSOB’s policy of non-violence."

Document(s): Open document

08.2006 - Source: Norwegian Country of Origin Information Center

Security forces’ attitudes towards MASSOB members ("Report on Fact-finding trip to Nigeria (Abuja, Lagos and Benin City) 12-26 March 2006") [ID 18796]

"According to Festus Keyamo (lawyer of MASSOB), people brought in by the police during MASSOB events are mainly detained, but usually not maltreated. MASSOB’s attorneys are generally given access to MASSOB members in police custody. On the other hand, he stated that the State Security Service (SSS) does maltreat MASSOB activists during investigations. The SSS does not give MASSOB's attorneys access to MASSOB members in custody, unless there is a court order, and even then it can be difficult to get access. Keyamo also made it clear that the State Security Service (SSS) is generally not proactive, and almost never act on intelligence, information on meetings given to them by informants, etc."

Document(s): Open document

08.2006 - Source: Norwegian Country of Origin Information Center

Persecution of MASSOB supporters ("Report on Fact-finding trip to Nigeria (Abuja, Lagos and Benin City) 12-26 March 2006") [ID 18797]

"According to Bukhari Bello (NHRC), some MASSOB supporters may fear state persecution, but not many. Festus Keyamo (lawyer of MASSOB) stated that MASSOB has no records of ordinary members being arrested, except if they participate in events organised by MASSOB. He added that being in possession of Biafra currency and/or the Biafra flag also can lead to arrest. According to Keyamo’s figures, more than one hundred MASSOB supporters were in detention as of March 2006 – of these, twelve (including Uwazuruike) are in Abuja, others in Aba, Onitsha and Kaduna. Many of these have not been charged. Keyamo stated that when MASSOB members are actually charged, the charge is generally “belonging to an illegal organisation”. If caught with leaflets or similar objects (like the Biafra currency and/or flag), they may be charged with “treasonal felony”. According to Keyamo, Ralph Uwazuruike is badly treated in prison, and he and his team have complained to the court regarding Uwazuruike being chained to the floor and other forms of maltreatment."

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Over 600 people arrested and detained on suspicion of being members of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46036],  [ID 17072]

"In the southeast over 600 people were arrested and detained during the year on suspicion of being members of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), a separatist group espousing Igbo unity and the secession of Igbo states as its prime tenets. Those arrested tended to be youths whose links to MASSOB were unproven, and by mid-year over 70 had been released without charge. Demonstrations in September, following Biafra Day on August 26, claimed a reported 6 lives, although other local reports indicated as many as 200 may have been killed by the police. Ralph Uwazurike, the leader of the group, was arrested in October along with six of his deputies on treason charges. This arrest incited a series of protests, during which the home of Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first post-independence president, was razed and three people died. Protests continued until year-end and caused business and road closures along with up to 20 deaths and an unknown number of other casualties. Human rights activists believed that the crackdown on MASSOB merely gave impoverished non-MASSOB-affiliated, Igbo youths reason to take to the streets and loot shops and homes."

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Over 70 juvelines released without charge; they were arrested and detained on suspicion of being members of MASSOB ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46036],  [ID 17073]

"In the southeast over 600 people were arrested and detained during the year on suspicion of being members of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), a separatist group espousing Igbo unity and the secession of Igbo states as its prime tenets. Those arrested tended to be youths whose links to MASSOB were unproven, and by mid-year over 70 had been released without charge. Demonstrations in September, following Biafra Day on August 26, claimed a reported 6 lives, although other local reports indicated as many as 200 may have been killed by the police. Ralph Uwazurike, the leader of the group, was arrested in October along with six of his deputies on treason charges. This arrest incited a series of protests, during which the home of Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first post-independence president, was razed and three people died. Protests continued until year-end and caused business and road closures along with up to 20 deaths and an unknown number of other casualties. Human rights activists believed that the crackdown on MASSOB merely gave impoverished non-MASSOB-affiliated, Igbo youths reason to take to the streets and loot shops and homes."

Document(s): Open document

07.12.2005 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

Southeast Nigeria: At least 12 people killed in cities of Owerri, Onitsha and Awka after violence erupted during strike called by MASSOB demanding secession of ethnic Igbo-dominated areas and protesting detention of their leader ("At least 12 dead in clashes over separatist protest") [#40366],  [ID 14621]

"A secessionist protest left at least 12 people dead after violence erupted on the second of a two-day stay-home strike in southeast Nigeria, according to residents and witnesses.

The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) called for schools, businesses and offices to shut down on Monday and Tuesday in the ethnic Igbo-dominated areas of the southeast to back a demand for secession and protest the detention of their leader, Ralph Uwazurike, who is on trial for treason. [...]

But attempts by MASSOB supporters to enforce the strike led to clashes with police in the cities of Owerri, Onitsha and Awka, in which at least 12 people were killed, residents and witnesses said."

Document(s): Open document

06.12.2005 - Source: BBC News

Deadly clashes in Nigerian city ("Deadly clashes in Nigerian city") [#40250],  [ID 14622]

"Three people are said to have been killed in a second day of clashes between riot police and stone-throwing youths in a south-east Nigerian city."

Document(s): Open document

05.12.2005 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

NIGERIA: Slowdown as Biafra separatists call strike ("Slowdown as Biafra separatists call strike") [#40276],  [ID 14624]

"Shops, schools and banks were shut in many parts of southeast Nigeria on Monday, the first day of a two-day strike called by a separatist group refusing to abandon its long fight for an independent state.

The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) called the stay-at-home protest to back a demand for independence for the region’s ethnic Igbos. The group is also protesting the continued detention of its leader, Ralph Uwazurike, currently facing trial for treason."

Document(s): Open document

05.12.2005 - Source: BBC News

Separatist clash in Nigerian city ("Separatist clash in Nigerian city") [#40188],  [ID 15126]

"Nigerian police have clashed with pro-independence ethnic Igbo activists ahead of their leader's treason trial."

Document(s): Open document

02.12.2005 - Source: UK Home Office

Report on general, political and human rights situation (membership of MASSOB, fear of Bakassi Boys and other vigilante groups, religious persecution, FGM, victims of trafficking, fear of secret cults, juju or student confraternities and prison conditions) ("Operation Guidance Note: Nigeria") [#40050],  [ID 15127]

"MASSOB is an un-armed non-violent movement that advocates a separate state of Biafra for the Igbo, the dominant ethnic group in the Igbo speaking southeast states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo. The Federal Government banned the movement in 2001, alleging that its activities threatened the peace and security of the country. Despite the ban, MASSOB has continued to pursue its campaign for self-determination. Although MASSOB does not appear to enjoy the level of support which would represent a serious political threat to the government, some MASSOB members have reportedly been harassed by the police, acting on orders from the federal government and its leader, Ralph Uwazuruke, has been arrested several times. Although many of those members of MASSOB who have been arrested are quickly released without charge, or released on the order of courts, some are reported to remain in custody awaiting trial."

Document(s): Open document

01.2005 - Source: Danish Immigration Service

National Human Rights Council (NHRC) called MASSOB a non-violent political faction; MASSOB-leader was arrested for raising Biafra-flag ("Report on human rights issues in Nigeria: Joint British-Danish fact-finding mission to Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria (19 October to 2 November 2004)") [#30412],  [ID 20649]

"Muhammad Sani Usman, Chief Administration Officer (Research), NHRC, confirmed that MASSOB is a non-violent political faction, whose struggle for independence of Biafra is entirely political. However, the leader of MASSOB, Ralph Uwazurike raised the Biafra-flag at his house in October 2004 and the NPF searched his house and confiscated 110,000 Naira24 in cash and six cell phones. Uwazurike escaped but between 10 and 15 members of MASSOB were arrested. Usman was unaware of whether or not these members are still detained. He emphasized that they may face being charged for treason, as it is unconstitutional to raise the flag of Biafra and thus institute a state within the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Uwazurike is still in hiding but he communicates with the Nigerian press and he insists that MASSOB is a non-violent political movement."

Document(s): Open document

01.2005 - Source: Danish Immigration Service

According to Professor Utomi MASSOB gained support because of government over-reaction to it ("Report on human rights issues in Nigeria: Joint British-Danish fact-finding mission to Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria (19 October to 2 November 2004)") [#30412],  [ID 20650]

"Professor Utomi explained that there has been significant level of resentment in Igbo society about the treatment of Igbo people since the civil war. There was a philosophy of an Igborenaissance amongst young Igbo men and women born since the civil war and they have found allies in the Igbo diaspora. This has been exploited by MASSOB. However, MASSOB is very much a fringe group but because of government over-reaction to it, it has gained support. The government is strongly opposed to MASSOB and several members and supporters have been arrested and detained for months even though MASSOB insists that it is a non-violent movement. Professor Utomi explained that the ghost of MASSOB has created concern within the SSS and now and then its forces have over-reacted. It was added by Professor Utomi that the leadership of MASSOB, i.e. “those that energise and mobilise support for the movement”, are at risk of arrest and detention by the authorities."

Document(s): Open document

01.2005 - Source: Danish Immigration Service

MASSOB reportedly became platform for Igbo being marginalised; there are also Igbo at senior level in government, business and civil society ("Report on human rights issues in Nigeria: Joint British-Danish fact-finding mission to Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria (19 October to 2 November 2004)") [#30412],  [ID 20651]

"According to Momoh, the Igbo people are marginalized and feel a need to voice theirconcern. MASSOB has become the platform to voice that concern. However, the BHCcommented that there are many Igbos at senior level within government, business and civil society, as well as among Obasanjo’s closest advisers."

Document(s): Open document

01.2005 - Source: Danish Immigration Service

MASSOB produced independent Biafra State flag and issued a currency, both being illegal; in 2004 large number of sympathisers were arrested ("Report on human rights issues in Nigeria: Joint British-Danish fact-finding mission to Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria (19 October to 2 November 2004)") [#30412],  [ID 20652]

"In the beginning of 2004 a large number of MASSOB sympathisers were arrested andNwankwo stated that there is a massive hunt for persons affiliated with MASSOB. He was not aware whether MASSOB registers members and issues membership cards or not but he doubted this would be the case. Nevertheless MASSOB has produced an independent Biafra State flag and issued a currency. However, the flag and the currency are not legal and if a person is caught in possession of the currency or the flag the person will be arrested. Some may even be accused of sedition or treason, which according to the law is punishable by death."

Document(s): Open document

01.2005 - Source: Danish Immigration Service

Nwankwo doubted that establishment of Biafra State is wish of majority of Igbo as they are spread out over the country ("Report on human rights issues in Nigeria: Joint British-Danish fact-finding mission to Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria (19 October to 2 November 2004)") [#30412],  [ID 20653]

"Nwankwo doubted that establishment of a Biafra State is in fact a wish of the majority of the Igbo people. Though the Igbo constitute the largest single ethnic group in Nigeria, they are spread out over the country and cannot be seen as an entity."

Document(s): Open document

01.2005 - Source: Danish Immigration Service

Attorney-at-law Nwankwo believed charges of smggling arms against MASSOB members were most likely set up in order to detain the person ("Report on human rights issues in Nigeria: Joint British-Danish fact-finding mission to Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria (19 October to 2 November 2004)") [#30412],  [ID 20654]

"Nwankwo portrayed MASSOB as an “entirely political movement” demanding totalindependence for Biafra and he could not accept that MASSOB is regarded as a “militant movement”. MASSOB is unarmed and Nwankwo found it hard to believe that persons associated with MASSOB would be armed or that such persons would have been engaged in smuggling arms. Nwankwo believed that if someone were charged with such activities it would most likely be a result of the NPF “setting-up” the individual in order to detain the person. He added that on several occasions MASSOB has claimed that the NPF have killed sympathisers of MASSOB. Momoh confirmed that members of MASSOB and others have claimed to have been falsely accused of carrying arms."

Document(s): Open document

01.2005 - Source: Danish Immigration Service

Abuja: According to attorney-at-law Nwanko since February 2004 300 members of MASSOB are detained awaiting trial ("Report on human rights issues in Nigeria: Joint British-Danish fact-finding mission to Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria (19 October to 2 November 2004)") [#30412],  [ID 20655]

"Nwankwo emphasized that MASSOB is an un-armed and non-violent movement. In spite of this a large number of suspected MASSOB members or sympathisers are detained in Abuja and the government has refused to release them on bail. Nwankwo explained that, since February 2004, 300 members of MASSOB are being detained in Abuja alone awaiting trial.He added that two members of the National Assembly have requested him to be defence counsellor for the 300 pending MASSOB cases in Abuja. Some of those detained may be faced with charges for treason, which is punishable by death. However, Nwankwo was not aware that any governor has signed a death penalty under common criminal law since 1999. But extra-judicial killings are common in Nigeria and it has been claimed that the NPF frequently kill members of MASSOB and others with impunity."

Document(s): Open document

08.2004 - Source: Austrian Centre for Country of Origin and Asylum Research and Documentation

Nigeria: Country Report 2004 ("Nigeria - Länderbericht") [#28135],  [ID 14626]

"Die MASSOB ist eine Igbo-Organisation und vor allem im Südosten Nigerias aktiv. Sie wurde im Jahr 1999 – laut deren Führung am 19. September dieses Jahres (IRB 06. August 2002 unter Bezug auf HRW Mai 2002) - gegründet und tritt für einen eigenen Staat ein, zusammengesetzt aus folgenden 5 Gliedstaaten: Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu und Imo mit einer Bevölkerung von ca. 20 Millionen (AFP 12. März 2003). Ihre sezessionistische Agenda knüpft an den Biafra-Krieg zwischen 1967 und 1970 an (HRW 2. Dezember
2003, S. 32-33). Am 27. Mai 2000 unternahm der Anführer der MASSOB, Chief Ralph Nwazurike bzw. Uwazuruike, den erfolglosen Versuch, den Südosten des Landes unter der Bezeichnung Biafra als unabhängig zu erklären (Babawale 2002, S. 6-7). Die offizielle Website des Büros für Öffentlichkeitsarbeit der „Presidential Research and Communications Unit“ hält fest, dass MASSOB keine Unterstützung durch die Igbo-Elite genießt (OWOPC 2004). Auch das Immigration and Refugee Board Canada berichtet unter Bezugnahme auf drei Zeitungsartikel, dass sowohl Ohanize Ndigbo, eine Schirmorganisation aller Igbo- Organisationen in Nigeria als auch Odumegwu Ojukwu, der die Biafra-Sezession in den 60er Jahren angführt hatte, sich von der MASSOB distanziert hätten."

Document(s): Open document

10.2003 - Source: UK Home Office

Massob members have faced some harassment from the security services ("Country Report - October 2003") [#17332],  [ID 15129]

"6.61 [...] the authorities have acted against members of MASSOB involved in politically motivated criminal activity.

6.62 In light of the civil war in the south-east in the late 1960's and early 1970's, which sought to create a Biafran State, the Nigerian authorities are sensitive to any assertions of nationalism within the south-east of the country. As MASSOB is associated with a separatist agenda, by supporting a Biafran State, its members have faced some harassment from the security services, especially at meetings and protests. However, some of their activities have also been provocative, such as the raising of the Biafran flag and chanting pro-Biafran songs. MASSOB activists continue to be targeted by police, and in March 2003 at least seven were killed at a political rally in Imo State. The police claim that they were attacked, but MASSOB has denied this saying the police's actions were unprovoked."

Document(s): Open document

10.2003 - Source: UK Home Office

MASSOB advocates greater autonomy for the south-east of Nigeria ("Country Report - October 2003") [#17332],  [ID 15130]

"6.61 MASSOB is a mostly Ibo (or Igbo) group who advocate greater autonomy for the south-east of Nigeria, where most of the Ibo population live. MASSOB appears to be generally able to pursue some of its political objectives without interference from the authorities."

Document(s): Open document

04.2003 - Source: UK Home Office

MASSOB is a mostly Ibo (or Igbo) group who advocate greatly autonomy for the south-east of Nigeria, where most of the Ibo population live ("Country Assessment - April 2003") [#13449],  [ID 15131]

"6.61 MASSOB is a mostly Ibo (or Igbo) group who advocate greater autonomy for the south-east of Nigeria, where most of the Ibo population live. MASSOB appears to be generally able to pursue some of its political objectives without interference from the authorities. However, the authorities have acted against members of MASSOB involved in politically motivated criminal activity.

6.62 In light of the civil war in the south-east in the late 1960's and early 1970's, which sought to create a Biafran State, the Nigerian authorities are sensitive to any assertions of nationalism within the south-east of the country. As MASSOB is associated with a separatist agenda, by supporting a Biafran State, its members have faced some harassment from the security services, especially at meetings and protests. However, some of their activities have also been provocative, such as the raising of the Biafran flag and chanting pro-Biafran songs.
MASSOB activists continue to be targeted by police, and in March 2003 at least seven were killed at a political rally in Imo State. The police claim that they were attacked, but MASSOB has denied this saying the police's actions were unprovoked."

Document(s): Open document

31.03.2003 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

Nearly 50 Massob members killed after confrontation with the police ("Seven killed as police clash with separatists") [#11677],  [ID 15132]

Document(s): Open document

31.03.2003 - Source: US Department of State

During the year 2002, Massob was a target of the government ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2002") [#11802],  [ID 15133]

"In September in Port Harcourt, a nongovernmental organization (NGO) charged that 20 MASSOB activists were detained unlawfully and tortured in Owerri, Imo State. (…)
In September mobile policemen reportedly raided MASSOB's headquarters and made arrests following allegations that MASSOB and Bakassi Boys were responsible for the murders of Barnabas and Abigail Igwe in Anambra State. The Constitutional Rights Project (CRP), the pan-Yoruba group Afenifere, and the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos publicly criticized the police tactics used to deal with MASSOB. MASSOB leader Ralph Uwazurike claimed that 1,000 MASSOB members remained in detention without charge in Umuahia, Abia State.(…) Police continued to disrupt meetings of the OPC and maintained a ban on the organization. Police also reportedly harassed members of the Bakassi Boys, Egbesu Boys, MASSOB, MOSOP, and other groups."

Document(s): Open document