Economic activities were grounded as streets were deserted in a Umuahia, the capital city of Abia State, after a two-day sit-at-home.
Though no group has claimed responsibility for the sit-at-home order, it is allegedly linked to the ongoing detention of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
A reliable source maintained that the sit-at-home appears to be a response to the continued inaccessibility to Kanu as both his legal team and family have allegedly been prevented from reaching him since his last court appearance on September 24.
“People are unhappy and willing to support any measure to see him freed,” the source said.
Monday’s lockdown saw widespread compliance, with schools closed and businesses shutting. Only sparse movement from tricycles and a few vehicles was observed, while residents largely stayed indoors, anxious about potential unrest.
Police patrols, including an armoured convoy, were seen on major streets, but the day remained peaceful with no reports of violence.
Last week, Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, expressed alarm over the Department of State Services’ (DSS) refusal to allow visitation, describing it as a “gross violation of the law.”
In an October 14 statement, he accused the DSS of isolating Kanu, blocking access even for routine legal visits and family check-ins.
Ejimakor warned that this restriction fuels suspicion about Kanu’s well-being, urging the DSS to comply with court-ordered visitation rights that confirm his health and safety.
He emphasized, “Now that the DSS has blocked all access, one might ask: What is the DSS hiding? Is Mazi Nnamdi Kanu hale and hearty?”
