According to reports, the IPOB members went into the market to force traders to observe a sit at home order scheduled for September 23, 2016.

The spokesman for the Enugu police command, Mr Ebere Amarizu, said “Suspects were arrested by our operatives, as the alleged announcement was being carried out and 21 handsets were recovered from them.

“Also recovered, include flags suspected to be that of the group with their insignia, public address systems, one wireless microphone."

He also said “We advise the public not to allow themselves to be used under any guise to cause mischief, as anyone caught will be made to face the full wrath of the law.”

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) had earlier called on its members to sit at home on September 23, 2016, as part of a protest for the release of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu.