Emma Ogu, Owerri

Chief Uwazuruike was arrested in his home at Okwe, Onuimo council area of Imo state Tuesday evening, by men of State Security Services, (SSS).

MASSOB in a statement in Owerri yesterday signed by its Deputy Director of Information Chris Mocha, said members of the group were shot at by the security operatives while trying to effect arrest of Chief Uwazuruike.

"MASSOB wishes to state as follows: that chief Ralph Uwazuruike should be released unconditionally or brought to a court of competent jurisdiction immediately.

"That if within seven days starting from today (Thursday) October 27 our demand is not met MASSOB will not be held responsible for anything that happened in the Biafran territory, the statement read part.

The association also urged security agents to realize that "they are holding the father and initiator of non violence in the Biafran struggle", stressing that the association’s non violent philosophy should not be seen as weakness.

"Daring us will be suicidal", MASSOB warned.

A MASSOB activist who spoke to Daily Champion Mr. Isaac Isreal, said the movement has mobilized its memebrs across the nation for action, should the authorities refuse to release Chief Uwazuruike or charge him to court within seven days.

Israel however disclosed that MASSOB has contacted some lawyers to secure release of chief Uwazuruike.

While he noted that MASSOB will continue to remain nonviolent in-line with its philosophy the activist said the group has been pushed to the wall by the arrest of Chief Uwazuruike. "We cannot remain silent, the world will hear us if they refuse to release him" he warned.

Daily Champion gathered that Cheif Uwazuruike was flown to Abuja on Wednesday in a jet which took off from the Port Harcourt international Airport.

Eye witness confirmed that the MASSOB leader spotting a black T-shirt with a fez cap on blue Jeans trousers, was accompanied on the journey by three SSS.