Rev. Fr. Samuel Aniebonem of St Patrick's Catholic Church, Awka, Anambra, who was supposedly detained by the police, has been released.
On September 27, Aniebonem and other others were detained by police for claiming to be members of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).
Mazi MASSOB Director of Information Chris Mocha announced their release in a press statement made accessible to journalists in Awka on Monday.
According to the announcement, seven other people who were purportedly detained by police alongside Aniebonem have also been released.
Among others released alongside the clergy were an octogenarian, Chief Sylvester Dinyelu, Chief Peter Udemefuna, Mr Udebunu Anachuna, the cleric's chauffeur, and Christian Ifeji, according to Mocha.
The leader of MASSOB in Anambra Central, Chief James Ezeani, through the MASSOB Director of Information, confirmed the release of the detained persons.
Mocha, also a Senior Special Adviser (SSA) to Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, the MASSOB leader, commended the police for their quick investigation that led to the released of the persons.
Recall that the Catholic priest was detained when he stormed the Anti-kidnapping squad office at Awkuzu, to inquire on why his in-law Dinyelu was arrested.
Instead of getting an answer, the police detained him alongside his driver and others.
Dinyelu was said to have been arrested with two others at MASSOB office located within Oyeagu/Ifitedunu, Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra, when the Anti kidnapping squad stormed the office on September 25.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Ikenga Tochukwu, (DSP), confirmed the detention when contacted.