Nnamdi Kanu: IPOB Restricts Movement In South-East Towns, Markets To Enforce Show Of Solidarity

Members of the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) Monday blocked the entrances and exits of the commercial city of Onitsha and Nnewi to stop residents and visitors from moving in and out of the towns.

This was done to honour their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who is being arraigned in Abuja.

Sources in Onitsha informed journalists that youths suspected to be members of IPOB made bonfires in most streets in Onitsha, forcing vehicles entering the city to turn back, Daily Post reports.

Nnamdi Kanu is expected to be in court today (Monday) to commence his trial on charges against him bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony, among others.

Kanu was arrested in Kenya in June and extradited to Nigeria to face trial.

A video circulating on social media shows that shops, markets and offices have been locked in Onitsha, while streets are deserted.

In Nnewi, it was gathered that youths suspected to be IPOB members were smashing cars belonging to motorists who attempted to enter into the city.

A trader in Onitsha Main Market, Mr Lizinus Eze, said, “We heard it yesterday as a rumour that there will not be market (trading) today, but this morning we found out that people were making bonfires everywhere in the city.

“Nobody has spoken to us about what is happening, but we learnt that it is IPOB that is trying for force people to stay at home in solidarity with Nnamdi Kanu who is appearing in court today.”