The Nigerian Army says it arrested popular Nollywood Actor, Chiwetalu Agu, for soliciting support for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The Spokesperson of the Army, Onyema Nwachukwu, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Thursday titled, ‘Troops Arrest Chiwetalu Agu While Soliciting Support for Proscribed IPOB’.
The army claimed that contrary to reports, the actor was not brutalized but only detained.
The statement read, “Troops of Nigerian Army have arrested one Chiwetalu Agu while inciting members of the public and soliciting for support for the proscribed IPOB.
“Dressed in a very well known attire of the proscribed group, Chiwetalu Agu was picked up for questioning while inciting members of the public to join the proscribed group. Though he attempted putting up some resistance when troops made effort to take him into custody, he was not assaulted or subjected to brutalization.”
The army noted that while it recognizes the absolute rights of Nigerians to freedom of movement and expression as contained in the constitution, it is a violation for any individual or group to incite the public to cause mayhem or break down of law and order.
It said, “It is therefore pertinent to state that while exercising such freedoms, it must be done within the confines of the law, bearing in mind the imperative for peace, and national security.”
The army added that Agu had clearly demonstrated uncharitable disposition to negate peace and security in the region, hence, he is taken into custody for preliminary investigation.
“It is important to once again place on record that the allegation that he was brutalizer is false and should be disregarded accordingly,” it said.
