The Anambra State Police Command yesterday released a total of 17 supporters of the Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, who were arrested at various locations in Awka last week while embarking on a solidarity protest march for their detained leader.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer for Anambra State command, Mr. Ali Okechukwu, the 17 persons comprised 13 females and four males.

He told journalists in his office that the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hosea Karma, only cautioned them and asked them to go.

He however expressed surprise that a certain national daily misrepresented what transpired during the pro-Kanu demonstration in the state.

In his words: “The attention of the Anambra State Police Command has been drawn to the spurious publication on police action in the dispersal of a crowd of misguided women and men on Tuesday, 20th October, 2015, at Awka, Anambra State.

“It is evident that on Tuesday, 20th October, 2015, some misguided youths took to the Federal Highway Onitsha/Enugu Expressway, harassing people and blocking the high way, causing heavy traffic jam and the attendant hardship to the innocent and unsuspecting citizens and commuters.

“On the receipt of complaints from well-meaning people of the state on the ugly development, the police command, oblivious of what and who were behind the sudden convergence of the crowd on the highway, dispatched police men to the scene.

“The police presence and the professional handling of the crowd dispersed them and eased up traffic. Only few of the hesitant were arrested, cautioned and released immediately the same day.”

The PPRO described a media report alleging that four MASSOB protesters were shot in the process as baseless and malicious publication couched in most unprofessional manner.

Ali said: “This publication is, to say, the least an attempt to malign the police command and punctuate the serene and peaceful atmosphere in the state.

“The reporter did not contact the Commissioner of Police or the Police Public Relations Officer for clarifications or otherwise, at least to ensure a balanced reportage.

“The Command is asking the reporter to immediately retract the report or come up with evidence of those who were shot, the hospital they are kept or any other verifiable evidence of the shooting.”

•Photo shows some of last week’s pro-Biafra protesters in Awka.

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