The Imo State Police Command has invited Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, founder of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), for questioning over alleged criminal offences, sparking controversy just days before a planned nationwide protest for the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
Uwazuruike was directed to appear before the Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) in Owerri on Monday, October 20, the same day several civil society groups are expected to march across the country demanding the release of the detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader.
According to a police letter dated October 16, 2025, and jointly signed by ASP John Ebute, ASP Eze Jet, and Inspector Alice Zakari, Uwazuruike is expected to respond to allegations bordering on criminal invasion, forgery, and willful damage.
The timing of the police invitation has drawn reactions from the pro-Biafra community, with MASSOB describing it as a “calculated attempt to silence” its leader and prevent his participation in the October 20 demonstrations.
In a statement issued by MASSOB’s Director of Information, Mazi Chris Mocha, the group confirmed that Uwazuruike had been instructed to appear before the Anti-Kidnapping Unit at 10 a.m. on Monday.
The group, however, insisted that its leader remains committed to peaceful advocacy.
Speaking on the development, Uwazuruike reaffirmed his readiness to honour the invitation but maintained that the summons appeared politically motivated.
“I will stand by my principles of peace and justice. If my appearance before the police is meant to stop me from joining a lawful protest, then it only strengthens my resolve,” he said.
He added that his support for the nationwide demonstration was not about one individual but about the collective rights of the Igbo people.
“This struggle transcends Nnamdi Kanu,” Uwazuruike stated. “It is about our dignity, our voice, and our right to demand fairness within Nigeria.”
MASSOB, in its statement, reiterated that its movement remains committed to non-violence and lawful engagement in pursuit of Biafra’s self-determination.
“Chief Uwazuruike has always championed dialogue over confrontation,” Mocha said.
“We see this police action as an attempt to intimidate, but we will not be deterred from standing for truth.”
As of press time, the Imo State Police Command had not issued any official clarification on whether the invitation was linked to the planned protest.
However, sources within the state command hinted that the case was “strictly investigative.”
The development adds another layer of tension to the growing agitation in the Southeast, as activists and pro-Biafra supporters prepare for peaceful rallies demanding Kanu’s release and an end to alleged political persecution.