The International Society for Civil Liberties & the Rule of Law (Intersociety) has welcomed the release, on Saturday night, of the 43 Nnewi traders in Anambra State falsely accused of being members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and of killing a police officer during a recent protest.

“We welcome the release of the 43 traders but demand for thorough investigation into the allegation of loss of N1.2m and recovery of same if proven to have been extorted. The extortionist lawyer and his or her paymasters, if truly exist in the instant case, and found culpable, must be sanctioned,” Intersociety said Sunday in a statement signed by Emeka Umeagbalasi and Chidinma Udegbunam.

“The Anambra State Police Command,” according to the foremost rights group, “must also disclose publicly the full identities of the police Inspector said to have been killed and others allegedly injured and hospitalised. Such disclosure must include his or her photo taken from the scene of crime, his or her live photo (full length) as well as his or her community, LGA and state of origin; in addition to video clip of his or hers from crime scene to hospital morgue; his or her police entry service or entry number and where and how he or she was killed. Demanded too are the biodata of those allegedly injured and hospitalised.”