Source:

For information on Massob see chapter "Ethnic Militias/Vigilante Groups" [ID 19033]

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Anambra State: Massob initiated violent clashes with government; 69 Massob members arrested and detained since June 2006 ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 22908]

"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, initiated frequent violent clashes with the government, particularly in Onitsha, Anambra State. Police sometimes reacted by arresting large numbers of MASSOB members. Most of the 69 members arrested in a June 2006 sweep remained in detention at year's end."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Massob leader Uwazurike did not returned to detention after being allowed to leave detention for three months; unclear if trial will begin without him; ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 22910]

"In July a hearing resumed on the bail application of detained MASSOB leader Ralph Uwazurike, who was arrested with six of his deputies on treason charges in 2005. On October 26, a federal high court judge permitted Uwazurike to leave detention for three months to attend his mother's funeral. At year's end Uwazurike had not returned to detention, and it was unclear whether his trial would begin."

Document(s): Open document