From Harry Awurumibe in Awka, Anambra
After few days of calm, economic activities in the entire South East were grounded again on Wednesday following the arraignment in Abuja of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu whose court case was being heard at the Federal High Court in the Federal
Capital Territory (FCT) today.
The Group had vowed to shut down economic activities in the South East each day Mazi Kanu will be brought to court just as he was produced to face his trial in Abuja as at the time of this report amidst tight security at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Prompt News reports that both inter-state and intra-state transport services were halted in Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states as commercial and private vehicles went off the streets.
Also, major markets, shopping malls and streets hawking were absent today in the above-mentioned states in the South East while artisans and labourers did not come out either for fear of attack by hoodlums.
In Owerri, capital of Imo state, schools; government offices; small and big businesses, motor parks and other public places were under lock and keys.
Specifically, streets were deserted in Owerri, Okigwe and Orlu zones of Imo state while operators of eatery and popular joints did not open for business for fears of the unknown gunmen.
It was the same situation in Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi and Abia states where many people did not open for business on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was brought to court on Wednesday amidst heavy deployment of security personnel in and around the court premises to forestall security breach.
Entrances leading to the court premises were barricaded by a combined armed officers of Department of State Services (DSS) operatives, the Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence and the Nigerian Police.
Vehicles were not allowed into the court compound.
However, court staff and journalists, whose names are on the list for the coverage, are allowed access into the building as at the time of filing the report.
