At least four people are believed to have been killed in Anambra State during celebrations following a high court decision to release controversial director of Radio Biafra.
Thousands of people took to the streets of Onitsha, a town in Anambra, on 17 December after learning that charges against Nnamdi Kanu – arrested by the state security department (DSS) in Lagos in October – had been dropped.
While supporters of Kanu – who is the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (Ipob) – were celebrating, the army allegedly used live bullets on the cheering crowd, some alleged. There are contrasting reports on the number of the alleged victims as local media say the death toll could be as high as 10.
Mazi Mmaduabuchi Anyagulu, a member of Ipob, told IBTimes UK: "Yesterday (17 December) four of our people, who were rejoicing for the release of our leader, were murdered by the Nigerian Army at the Onitsha Bridge Head. Thirteen were hospitalized at the Multicare Hospital.
"Last night around 10 pm, members of the Nigerian army invaded the hospital where they were being treated and took away those at the hospital. They were taken back to the military barracks in Onitsha."
