Traders in the commercial city of Nnewi, Anambra State on Monday celebrated the release of 33 traders who were locked up for eight days over mistaken identity.

The traders were arrested on November 23, 2018, following a fracas between the members of IPOB and the police.

IPOB members had gathered at Nkwo Nnewi arena to celebrate the reappearance of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, when police swooped in on them, leading to a fracas.

Traders had converged at the Agboedo motor spare parts market to offer praises to God in appreciation for the release of their members after the release of the traders early Sunday morning.

Speaking during the event, Chairman of Agboedo Motor Spare Parts Dealers Association (AMSPDA), Chief Gabriel Chibueze, said the gathering was essentially to appreciate God for the unconditional release of their members.

While regretting the length of days the traders were incarcerated despite their innocence, he said the traders were arrested from the eight major markets in the industrial city.

He explained that the relentless efforts of members of his executive and other relevant stakeholders traders facilitated their release the eight days adding that it would have been more.

He said: “Ever since their detention, the entire executive has not rested on its oars in fighting for their release.

“We wrote letters to all authorities concerned, including the IGP, the commissioner for Trade and commerce, our representatives in Abuja, among others.

“We also had to shut the entire markets in the town for three consecutive days in solidarity with our detained members.”

He said all the traders came out hale and healthy.

On his part, the Vice President, Amalgamated Markets Traders Association (AMATA), Gozie Akudolu, disclosed that no money was expended over their release, but regretted that some went ahead to engage the services of lawyers contrary to his instructions. He commended the people that contributed to the release of the traders.

His words: “I’m happy to announce to you that we didn’t pay any dime for their release because I instructed that no lawyer should be engaged in the process.

“Those who defied the instructions and paid should find a way of going after their money.”

“I’m overwhelmed with joy today. Special thanks go to the IGP, leader of police delegates from Abuja, the State Governor and Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, state CP, AC Nnewi, and a host of others.”

Speaking with journalists, one of the released traders, Charles Maduka, expressed joy over their release, describing the police custody as a hell hole.

He said the release was made easier because their hands were clean and due to the fact that they have addresses saying: “There is nothing like freedom.”

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