BIM–MASSOB Condemns Police Invitation of Ralph Uwazuruike, Alleges Plot to Detain Pro-Biafra Leader

The leadership of the Biafra Independence Movement (BIM) and the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has condemned the invitation of its leader, Barr. Ralph Uwazuruike, by the police, describing it as a violation of democratic principles and an attempt to unlawfully detain him.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by the group’s media aide, Mazi Chris Mocha, BIM–MASSOB revealed that Uwazuruike was asked to report to the police “Tiger Base” in Owerri on Monday, October 20, over alleged offences of criminal invasion, forgery, and willful damage. The group, however, dismissed the allegations as baseless, warning authorities, “Don’t Touch Ralph Uwazuruike.”

According to the statement, Uwazuruike has committed no offence, as his planned participation in a nationwide peaceful protest calling for the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, falls within his constitutional rights. The group insisted that the police summons was a calculated ploy to arrest and silence him.

The development follows Uwazuruike’s recent legal action at the Owerri High Court, where he filed a fundamental human rights suit against the Imo State Police Command and seven others. In the suit, he seeks ₦100 million in damages for alleged violations of his rights and an order restraining the police from arresting or detaining him.

BIM–MASSOB further described Uwazuruike, who holds the traditional title Ijele Ndigbo, as a peace advocate who has championed Biafran self-determination through non-violent means for over 26 years. The group reaffirmed its leader’s commitment to peaceful dialogue and respect for the rule of law, insisting that there is no legal or moral basis for his invitation by the police.