The Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) has threatened to shut down the entire Southeast region if activist Omoyele Sowore, lawyer Aloy Ejimakor, and others arrested for protesting the continued detention of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, are not released immediately.
Acting Prime Minister of the group, Ogechukwu Nkere, who issued the threat in a statement on Friday, described the arrest as uncalled for and anti-democratic.
Sowore, Ejimakor, and several others were arrested in Abuja between Monday and Thursday while staging a #FreeNnamdiKanu protest.
Although an Abuja Magistrate Court granted them bail on Friday, the police reportedly rearrested them shortly after.
Nkere accused the Federal Government of intolerance to dissent, alleging that the move was part of a wider attempt to suppress free speech in the country.
“This is not just an arrest but a message to the world that Nigeria does not want anyone to speak against repression.
“If Sowore and others are not released, Biafrans will lock down the entire Southeast for a week, including all Nigerian facilities within the region.”
Nkere claimed that while the government holds meetings with Boko Haram members, it continues to crack down on peaceful protesters, warning that such actions could provoke widespread resistance.
He also called on the Revolution Now movement and other civil society groups to prepare for a nationwide demonstration in solidarity with Sowore and Kanu.
“Nigeria should release Sowore and everyone unlawfully arrested during the protest or face something unimaginable,” Nkere added.
The group maintained that its demand for Biafra’s independence stems from alleged systemic marginalisation and religious persecution in Nigeria.
The Nigeria Police Force had explained on Thursday why its Federal Capital Territory Command decided to arrest human rights activist and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Sowore.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said Sowore was taken into custody for allegedly leading protesters into a restricted area in Abuja, in defiance of a subsisting court order.
Hundeyin, who addressed journalists during a press briefing in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja on Thursday, said the activist would be charged in court once investigations are concluded.
“Today, Omoyele Sowore has been arrested by the Nigerian Police Force. You may ask why he was arrested. The reason is straightforward.
“The 13 people previously arrested all mentioned that Sowore led them into the restricted area, in clear contravention of the court order,” Hundeyin explained.
