The Inspector-General of Police (I-G) Intelligent Response Team (IRT) on Monday arrested five newspaper vendors in Owerri for allegedly promoting activities of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
When contacted, the Commissioner of Police in Imo, Mr Abutu Yaro, confirmed the arrest but added that the operatives were not from his command.
One of the arrested vendors, Onyebuchi Iwundu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at a police station that the IRT operatives arrested them at Rotibi Street, a popular newspaper circulation street off the Douglas Road in the early hours of Monday.
Iwundu said they were accused of circulating and promoting activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
He alleged they were manhandled before being taken to the police station for detention.
The vendor also alleged the operatives confiscated their papers and money, adding that they had been warned not to circulate newspapers that promote IPOB’s activities.
He listed others arrested alongside him as Isinwa Blessing, Nelson, Micheal and Sakatan.
The circulation Manager of New Telegraph Newspaper, Mr Chuck Ugwuibe was arrested on Tuesday at Banana junction Orlu and has been in police custody.
