By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Business was today paralysed in the commercial cities of Onitsha and Nnewi, Anambra State, in solidarity with the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) who was expected to appear in court for the commencement of his trial. The case was eventually adjourned till October 21 by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, due to the failure of the Department of State Services (DSS) to produce him in court.

In Onitsha, bonfires were set at strategic points by people suspected to be members of IPOB while people were barely seen.

The major market in the city, Main Market, was closed as traders stayed away from their shops and streets were deserted.

It was the same situation in Nnewi as markets and shops were closed for business while road blocks were placed at strategic points to prevent motorists from moving about.

Army personnel were seen patrolling and dismantling the road blocks.

It was gathered that IPOB had, late on Sunday, sent out signals asking its members to enforce a sit-at-home protest in the South-East because of Nnamdi Kanu’s trial.

A source said: “We got the signal very late in Awka. So, we could not mobilise to protest in Awka as they are doing in Nnewi and Onitsha. That’s why nothing is happening in Awka and environs.”

Sources in Onitsha said youths suspected to be members of IPOB made bonfires in most streets, while also ordering vehicles entering the city to turn back.

A trader in Onitsha, Ifeayi Okenwa, said they heard the rumour yesterday that markets would be locked from business today (Monday).

He said: “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 to force people to stay at home in solidarity with Nnamdi Kanu who is appearing in court today.”

Commercial activities were however going on without hitches in Awka, the capital city of Anambra State, but banks premises were placed under lock and key.

The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Ikenga Tochukwu, said that normalcy was returning to the city.

He thanked members of the vigilante and other security agencies for helping to remove the road blocks and putting off the bon fires.

“Police is patrolling the city to ensure there’s no breakdown of law and order. Normalcy is returning and everywhere is calm,” Tochukwu said.